Representações e práticas quotidianas de trabalhadores do lixo - a experiência da UGSM- Uaiene Gama e Serviços de Maputo

Abstract

The study on “Social Representations and Everyday Practices of Garbage Workers - The Experience of (Uaiene Gama e Servicos de Maputo)” aims to understand the social representations of garbage workers and their daily practices through their waste collection activity in Maxaquene neighborhood. Specifically, the objective was to describe what their daily lives are like and how they perceive the importance of work. The case study was carried out based on the experience of garbage workers at (Uaiene Gama e Serviços de Maputo), a company responsible for garbage collection in the Maxaquene neighborhood. The choice of this location considered the following aspects: socio-political context of creation UGSM, the number and type of garbage workers that the company presents, the areas of operation and functioning of the institution. We use the concepts of social representation as a theoretical framework to address the practices, beliefs and experience of garbage collection of garbage workers in UGSM. For the preparation of the study, methodological assumptions were considered based on: qualitative research, of an anthropological character; This research was also carried out in the form traditional fieldwork using participant observation technique; and Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. That said, the main findings of this research are related to the following aspects: Garbage workers at UGSM seek to reframe their work by assigning a set of rules that differentiate them from other professionals who are engaged in the same activity in the area of ​​garbage collection. In this way they seek to overcome prejudices existing in relation to the activity of garbage collection. The daily life of garbage workers consists of walking the streets of Maxaquene “A” and collecting the garbage left in the bags and in simultaneously, they recycle the recyclable material for later sale. Driving on the streets competing with cars poses a risk to garbage workers. Another risk to which are subjected to is to acquire diseases as a result of direct contact with contaminated materials. The lack of means of security worries workers. They complain about not having insurance mainly because this is a risky job. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)