Reciclando vidas: análise das relações de gênero e divisão sexual do trabalho com mulheres líderes de cooperativas de materiais recicláveis no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Abstract

After hundreds of years of exploitation of its natural resources, the earth starts to show the consequences of being uncontrollably used. In the last four decades, man has turned his attention to the environment in a more concerned and responsible way. As a result, society and industry are forced to adapt to the new market trends and modes of production. Improved production and reduced consumption are structuring the new production chains. However, in spite of all tecnological advances, there will always be the problem of waste. Disposal of waste presents a challenge in the long term. Recycling co-operative societies, found in many countries in Europe and Latin America, and particularly in Brazil, are enterprises based on the principles of solidarity economics. The object of this research are the women working on such enterprises, the female collector/recycler and her environment. Statistics show that, in many states in Brazil, they may compose up to 65% of workers and often run the co-operatives themselves. The broad goal of this paper is to examine how gender issues, such as divison of labour are perceived by women running the co-operatives. Leading women from several collector co-operatives active in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and of the Vale do Paraíba region were asked to answer a series of semi-structured questions. Interviews were filmed and edited into a short documentary. Results showed a persistent trend of sexual division of labour where men were responsible for tasks requiring strengh , such as carring heavy loads and women were responsible for tasks requiring concentration and precision, such as sorting out materials. However, there was evidence of a growing tencency of women carrying out all activities, regardless of the presence of men.