Education and governance of bodies today: an analysis of the “Movimento 21 dias por uma vida mais saudável”

Abstract

This paper aims at analyze the statements expressed in the program for health promotion entitled “Movimento 21 dias por uma vida mais saudável” (M21, from Portuguese “21 days for a healthier life movement”), linked to the Secretary of State for Health of Espírito (Brazil). For such, we investigated, from September 2015 to June 2017, the materials available on the program’s website, such as news, texts, images, videos and advertising, focusing on recurrent elements. Our scope of analysis was based on Foucaultian framework, articulating the concepts of biopolitics and pastoral power with the content presented on M21’s official webpage. Based on literature review and analyses, we identified the current use of economic and scientific statements – triggered by statistical data and statements from health managers and authorities – in the materials of M21, having traits of a (neo)liberal rationality as background, with the intention of propagating pieces of advice on ways of living life. The content of M21 carries a moralistic tone, which assigns individuals a growing responsibility for their lifestyles, regardless of the conditions in which they live and to which they are exposed, thus disregarding structural factors that affect those people’s health.