Gênero e sexualidade na produção do cuidado : etnografia de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família

Abstract

This thesis aims to comprehend the meanings attributed to sexuality and gender in the daily activities of a family health clinic in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Through ethnographic fieldwork, the interactions of different subjects within the clinic were observed; specifically, situations relating to family planning, pregnancy assistance, and women's and adolescents' health. The ways in which conversations and the transmission of knowledge pertaining to gender identity, sexual relations and related themes unfolded were also observed. This study shows that the performance of health professionals is not only supported by their knowledge, their subjectivity and the relationships established with their peers and the people using the clinic's services; it is also influenced by the values in play in the in the situated context of the clinic. Our analysis indicates that a hegemonic conception of gender shapes the discursive limits of the field and delineates the production of health care, guiding responses to requests and the planning of actions in the field of sexual and reproductive health.