United by the fiber: associated, solidary and artisanal work of women in São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

This paper discusses the theme of work in contemporary society, with a focus on gender and work relations. Based on a case study of the United by the Fibra Craftsmen's Association, located in the city of São Luis, MA, it was sought to identify the alternatives found by women, especially those living in poverty and / or social exclusion trajectories, transformations and crises in the world of work. Thus, we analyze how discourses constructed and reproduced in the historical and political process naturalize and reduce social practices to the division of "sexed" social roles, creating relations of power and hierarchies. In this way, we tried to investigate the possibilities of having, in the scope of artisanal work associated with solidarity, elements capable of favoring experiences of empowerment. The approach to the problem is qualitative.