Review of scientific production on conjuncture analysis: contribution to political analysis in health

Abstract

Several approaches developed in the humanities and social sciences have been used in the political analysis in health, one of them is the conjuncture analysis. In order to systematize the main concepts, references and methodological strategies of this type of study and to problematize its application in the health area, a systematic review was carried out on the subject. It was not identified a single theoretical reference or a a standard methodology, but it is worth highlighting the fact that most articles do not bother to explain theories and methods. The articles that focused on the political dimension included among their objectives analyze facts and involved social actors. Regarding the articles that deal with health issues, it was possible to note a greater concern with theoretical and methodological aspects, and all commented about the relationship between the sectorial and other dimensions of a political and structural nature. Considering that the conjuncture analysis has the purpose of subsidizing the action, it is observed that when it is limited to a sector, it restricts the vision relatated to determinations that affect the facts and social actors, including in health, a condition that may harm the decision taking.