A matemática na profissão dos pedreiros: uma aproximação à etnomatemática

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the use of school Mathematics content by bricklayers in the exercise of their profession. The central problem addressed in the research are the following questions: What is the professional practice of bricklayers in Vicência/PE like? Do they consider that their work is valued, or do they perceive some type of discrimination because it is not, admittedly, “intellectualized” work? Do bricklayers associate their mathematical practices in the profession with school mathematical content? The research is based on scholars such as D’Ambrósio (2008; 2019), Andrade (2020), Figueiredo (2017), Cezar Junior (2023), Cunha (2017), among others. The methodology adopted consisted of conducting interviews with bricklayers, some of which were conducted at their workplaces. The interviews were recorded and later analyzed. In the initial chapter, research on Ethnomathematics was presented, seeking to theoretically support the understanding of how Mathematics is present in the culture and professional practices of bricklayers. Next, tables were presented with the mathematical contents that are present in the daily lives of these professionals, in addition to reports on their experiences. The results obtained revealed that the vast majority of bricklayers use Mathematics unconsciously, without even having school knowledge about these contents. It was observed that bricklayers with longer professional experience did not complete their studies, with many not even completing Elementary School I. Therefore, this study contributes to expanding knowledge about the presence and relevance of Mathematics in the practice of bricklayers, in addition to to highlight the importance of adequate formal education for these professionals.