Articulações entre maternidade e trabalho na vida de mulheres vendedoras ambulantes no litoral suburbano de Salvador

Abstract

This study focuses on the intersection between motherhood and informal labor, comprising the experiences of female street vendors on the coast suburb of Salvador. It is a qualitative research, aligned with social constructionism and actress-network theory, with the central objective of understanding and describing the complex dynamics of this specific relationship. In the contemporary context, the increase in poverty and changes in the job market have driven the growth of informal activities, becoming an option for survival, especially for women. This research aims to reflect on the relationship between motherhood and informal work, highlighting the specific nuances experienced by female street vendors on the coast suburb of Salvador. This study was conceived as a compilation of articles, enabling a reading of the daily intersections between informal work and motherhood experienced by these workers. Each article was structured with a specific objective, contributing to the overall development of the study, reaching the general objective, and offering pertinent answers to the proposed research problem. In the first article, a review of 21 scientific articles on the CAPES journal portal was carried out, addressing topics related to motherhood and informal work. The studies focused on child health and nutrition, with a focus on breastfeeding, related to the necessity of a rapid return to work. The absence of a specific motherhood public policy in informal work situations was evident, as well as a complex set of challenges faced by these women. The second article investigated the work practices of female street vendors on the coast suburb of Salvador, and it was based on observations in their daily work. Precarious conditions and social inequalities were identified, highlighting the presence of children, adolescents, and elderly people in work activities and the need for measures to protect their rights and well-being. The study also faced challenges, such as the refusal of participants to share their experiences in the research field with the researcher. The third article investigated the experiences of female street vendors on the beaches of the suburb of Salvador, about the relation between motherhood and work. The study revealed that the meaning of work goes beyond financial aspects, involving self-awareness, belonging, and personal fulfillment. The lack of government support places the female workers in vulnerable situations, transforming work into a constant need for survival. In short, the research contextualized the relationship between motherhood and informal work, highlighting not only the challenges faced but also the strategies adopted by these women. The information presented reinforces the need to create a public policy aimed at supporting this community, recognizing the intricate interconnection between motherhood and informal work.