TRABALHO ASSOCIADO E ECONOMIA SOLIDÁRIA: A JUVENTUDE TRABALHADORA DA ECO VÁRZEA

Abstract

This paper aimed to understand the working ways of young farmers in an association named Eco Várzea, as well as to establish a dialogue about the approximations between their work, associated work and the Solidarity Economy (SE). To this end, a field survey with a qualitative approach was conducted at the Feira Agroecológica da Eco Várzea, with the participation of three young farmers and associates, residents of the rural areas close to the capital. The technique used was the participant observation. The research instrument was the field diary, where the content of the observations, the researcher's personal impressions and relevant information for the research were written. This study found that, although undeniably important in terms of providing livelihood, for the three young workers work goes beyond earning income, allowing them to socialize, develop a positive identity with what they do, and to belong to a collective and to the community. Self-management practices can be glimpsed in their work activity, which also has a strong educational/training dimension. It is part of the work routine to participate in meetings. Also, there was an appreciation of the collectivity and the understanding that it is an important sense of community that keeps the association "up and running". Within a perspective of associated work, it was possible to demonstrate that the work of these young farmers is close to the concept of work as production and reproduction of life. By dialoguing with SE, this research made it possible to identify self-management practices not named as such by the participants.