Saúde e ambiente : representações sociais de crianças em uma comunidade pantaneira

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the social representations of health and environment, related to the daily practices of children in public school in a traditional community, São Pedro de Joselândia, Barão de Melgaço District located in the Pantanal, taking into account their viewpoints, knowledge, meanings and conceptions of this relationship. The study suggested in-depth analysis, distinctions, and possible outlines only through a qualitative approach, opting for structuring, by routes and exploratory foray into a field of ethnographic work that was developed from February to September of the year two thousand and ten, which possible penetration of the reality studied for understanding the way of life of children living conditions, domestic and leisure organization. The theoretical approach to understanding social representations was based on Bourdieu theory, in which some concepts like habitus and lifestyle are adopted for understanding social reality. As data collection instrument was used: Fieldbook, direct observations, drawings, iconographic sources and semi-structured interviews with 26 children aged between 09 and 14 years. The results showed that social representations of health and environment of these children are social constructions influenced by the space in which they live through the importance given to the promotion and maintenance of healthy life in a normal relationship established with the singular body. The representations also point to increasing physical exercise, body and environmental hygiene and adequate food. Understanding this reality could help to enable the formulation of public policies that encompass the needs required by these children in this universe.