This study aimed to understand the limits and possibilities for intersectorality that were created in the process of structuring the Brazilian social protection system. It is justified on the account of the potential attributed to intersectorality to overcome the fragmentation of knowledge and structures of society, creating the sharing and dialog spaces needed to solve complex issues and the ability to understand the challenges faced with the dilemma of operating intersectoral issues in traditionally sectoral environments. The text is divided into three parts: First, the notion of 'intersectionality' is worked on; the authors then outline the construction and characteristics of the Brazilian social protection system; finally, they discuss how the institutional conformation resulting from its configuration interferes in the form of joint social policies. It was concluded that the development process and the history of the construction of the Brazilian social protection system were marked by elements that produced an environment that is little favorable to intersectorality. A first draft of the intersectoral coordination occurred under the scope of the discussion on 'social development,' which took place late in Brazil and seems to have tried to reverse the stigma of little efficient and effective social policies. However, little progress has been made in this direction, and the current way of designating the State's social intervention remains plural (social policies) and sectorally referenced.
intersectorality; social protection; social policy; social security