AGÔ N’ILÊ! O legado da vivência em terreiro de candomblé e as contribuições para a ampliação do conceito de família no PAIF

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the socio-anthropological contributions of life in a Candomblé terreiro (religious center) to broadening the concept of family within the Comprehensive Family Protection Service (PAIF), the cornerstone of Basic Social Protection in Social Assistance Policy. The central objective of the research was to understand how the organization of relationships within the Candomblé religious family can interact with the concept of family adopted by PAIF and contribute to the improvement of social assistance practices. To explore this theme, interviews were conducted with Candomblé practitioners, seeking the meanings and experiences of the concept of religious family within this Brazilian religion of African origin. The study starts from the concept of family adopted by the regulations of the National Social Assistance Policy and also by researchers in the Social Sciences, whose relationship is based not only on blood ties, but also on solidarity and coexistence. In this sense, the terreiro communities or "families of saints" were analyzed, taking as a reference anthropological and sociological studies on the subject, understanding these spaces as a potential field of action for the Basic Social Protection Policy, since, in addition to being family spaces, they eventually welcome people and families in situations of vulnerability and weakened bonds. The results indicate that the family of saints constitutes an expanded support network, based on affective bonds, ritual hierarchies, and collective care practices, configuring itself as a family experience that strengthens its members and offers relevant learning for social work with families in the PAIF (Family Support Program).