Thoughts and feelings about work: a study of social representations in rural producers in Diamantino – MT, Brazil

Abstract

Work has a central configuration in people's lives, becoming an economic and social insertion, of subjectivity and identity processes. Through work, the individual participates in social groups and establishes roles, capable of reconfiguring the perception of himself and his environment, allowing him to recognize, satisfy, develop and fulfill himself. This study aims to evaluate how elderly rural producers think and feel about the work phenomenon. This is a descriptive, qualitative research with 28 rural producers in the municipality of Diamantino - MT, Brazil, all male and age ranging from 65 to 90 years old; these were divided into two groups: the first, was composed of rural producers, whose ownership of property (s) does not exceed 100 hectares, classified as small producer; the second group, were producers with property (s) that total more than 100 hectares, these, named great producers. Participants answered a questionnaire composed of sociodemographic data and questions regarding what they think and feel about what work is. To analyze the results, the Theory of Social Representations was used, associated with the method of analysis of the discourse. The feelings and thoughts about work in people aged to be retired were classified in the following categories: Self-determination, Dignity, Negativity about themselves, Meritocracy, Economic Security, State Responsibility. The thoughts and feelings attributed to work for participants in both groups, with retirement age, were related to self-depreciation, self-disappointment, disenchantment, disappointment, meritocracy, conformism, dedication, optimism, self-determination, dignity, economic valorization and commitment of State.