Cajueiro: agroextrativismo e relações sociais de gênero em contexto socioambiental na Amazônia paraense

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to identify and analyze, where agroextractivism is concerned and within the context of gender-related social relations, the most significant extractive income-generating activities and those intended for financial autonomy, and how they correlate with the productive cycles of the natural resources being used and the family arrangements that are built in the Cajueiro Community, located within the limits of the Caeté-Taperaçu Marine Extractive Reserve, in Pará State - part of the Brazilian Amazon. And as specific objectives: to understand how the main agroextractivist practices and the gender based social relations related thereto are articulated; to identify how men and women work in the activities related to the use of natural resources aimed at financial autonomy and those geared at marketing; to investigate power relations that permeate the rules established as from the presence of the Resex and the day-to-day life of the dwellers; and to identify the most critical issues related to life in the community, in the perception of the local social players. The main theoretical foundation of this research was Michel Foucault’s contribution, particularly with regard to the notion of power relations. It was based on qualitative research and information-gathering techniques in the field: participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus group and circle of conversation. It can be concluded that agroextraticvism constitutes the basis of productive activities in the community being studied, with family agriculture being the most representativeness. In addition, fishing stands out for the many types of fish as well as shrimp and crab harvesting. Said activities are performed according to the productive and reproductive movement of the natural resources being used, which imply family arrangements anchored, in turn, by gender-based social relations. And, despite the implications of power that surround it, said community – following the example of most so-called traditional peoples - does not allow itself to be subdued, thus renewing itself and resisting in its way of life, even if in such way it would be contrary to the current global context.