Tecendo a igualdade: reflexões sobre gênero e trabalho na rede de economia solidária em Dourados-MS (2000-2008)

Abstract

This thesis aims to study women contribution to the Rede de Economia Solidária (the Solidarity Economy Network) of Dourados-MS since the year 2000. This discussion is guided on the theoretical framework of gender, which allows reflection on power relations and social inequalities based on gender. Stereotypes historically created from women biological definitions are those that represent delicacy, sensitivity, the female essence, a fragile body, delegating it to the domestic sphere and as a tool for reproduction, while the man represents the strength, the intellectual, the head of the family and politics. Such assumptions are challenged daily and reveal new arrangements, they result in the restructuring of behaviors and ways of living the gender identities and social roles. The study of the arise and development of the Economia Solidária in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, aims to understand the historical process, the collective motivations that led these excluded groups to position themselves as subjects in theirs history, as well as effective changes in lives of women involved. In order to achieve that, it is used a qualitative methodology, based on the dialogue between the fields of history and sociology and on the use of certain procedures, including: documentary analysis and interviews. The written sources consist of official documents granted by Dourados City Hall, through its Social Assistance and Solidarity Economy Secretariat, the NGO Mulheres em Movimento, Banco Pirê and other government agencies. The other sources, non-written ones, are semi-structured interviews with women who participated directly or indirectly of the historical process of structuring the Solidarity Economy in Dourados. This group is composed of enterprising women and representatives of public agencies involved in the enactment of public policies since the period determined in this research. As the research developed it was possible to reach a theoretical reflection on the concept of Solidarity Economy and Gender. This is necessary to understand the working relations and gender in the context of an alternative economic model, its historical trajectory and its reality in the city context. This development allowed us to consider how the development of Solidarity Economy has become instrument for social inclusion and empowerment of low-income communities. It has contributed to the affirmation of these social actors in the uneven and dysfunctional social context. Furthermore, it was observed the progress and setbacks in the process of female emancipation, towards not only economic autonomy but in the context of decisions regarding their own lives. The social and political consequences of their actions enable new questions and provide solutions, reinforcing the need to hear these actors. History and Sociology play a fundamental role to demonstrate how people are part of a social dynamic in which there are constant dialogues and conflicts among different groups in society.