WHAT IS WORK? SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS IN ELDERLY RURAL PRODUCERS IN DIAMANTINO – MT

Abstract

Human aging is a worldwide phenomenon that can be analyzed as a natural, continuous, progressive and irreversible process, where there are organic, psychological and morphofunctional changes. The aging process is seen differently in each culture, and can be marked by positive and negative aspects, and the representation of aging in society influences the relationship established with work. Participated in the research, 28 rural producers of Diamantino - MT, male and aged between 65 and 87 years old; 64.3% have incomplete Elementary Education; 67.9% are married and live with their wives, and/or children and/or grandchildren. Regarding the social assistance receipt, 50% receive retirement, 17.9% receive some Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) and 17.9% receives none. The interviewees were divided into two groups: the first composed of rural producers whose ownership of property (ies) does not exceed 100 hectares classified as small producer, and the second by producers with property (ies) that total more than 100 hectares. For analysis, the Social Representations Theory and the Discourse Content Analysis method were used. Regarding the meaning attributed to aging, the following categories emerging from the work construct were classified: Needs, Optimism, Dignity, Dignity / Realization and Self-determination. Finally, it was possible to perceive, through the reports presented by the interviewees, significant elements that made possible the approximation with the reality of life of each of the participants, where there were reports on the difficulties and overcoming related to work and links with the permanence in rural work.