Os "burros sem rabo" na sociedade de consumo: invisibilidade, consumo ostensivo e reconhecimento.

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the motives that guide the consumption practices of collectors of recyclable material, considering the restricted purchasing power as a result of their poorly paid and socially disqualified job, which also causes the processes of stigmatization and social invisibility experienced by them. Data collection was conducted in two research fields: COTRAMARE Cooperatives (Cooperative of Recycling Workers of Campina Grande) and CATAMAIS (Cooperative of Male and Female Collectors of Recyclable Materials of Campina Grande Ltda), both located in Campina Grande - PB. We did, specifically, a comparative analysis between the work of picking the trash in landfills sites and in the streets of Campina Grande - PB and working through cooperatives, particularly through the "Joint Selective Collection," pointing out relevant strengths and weaknesses of these different spaces for this job; we formulated the framework of the problem of the collector of recyclable materials work and its relation to the processes of stigmatization and social invisibility, noting that a non-incorporation of pre-conditions for social recognition by the group of collectors, due to a poor socialization, will place them very far from achieving an effective respect for their work and for themselves; we investigated, finally, about the identity formation of the collectors from the sphere of consumption, highlighting, however, that the work is still important in the formation of their identity. The survey results showed us that, despite the financial constraints faced by the collectors, they are very active consumers, considering consumption practices important in their lives, mainly because it is one way to define them and to feel that they can relate to something. We also verified the existence of a multiplicity of motivations that could make the collector consume. However, one motivation in particular stood out in the speech of the collectors, when we consider the work of scavenging recyclable materials – a socially devalued job, that causes stigma and disrespect - and how it provides to collectors a degenerated and ambiguous identity: consumption is motivated by the desire for recognition, status and social visibility, i.e., the consumption strengthening identities. In this case, consumption can be the conspicuous type, because there is need for exposure of objects, characterized by feelings of pride and power, aiming positivity and recognition of the work of scavengers and of themselves as collectors.