Comunicação e cidadania entre jovens da zona rural de Lima Duarte (MG)

Abstract

This paper is the result of the research on the relationship between the production of communication and media, and the exercise of citizenship in youths from the rural area of Lima Duarte (MG – Brazil). The research was done amongst students attending the first semester of the second year of secondary school at Tiago Delgado State School, in 2012. The experience took place within the subject of Portuguese Language, using the methodologies of “educommunication” and participatory action research, as well as the Cultural Studies as theoretical paradigm. The investigation discussed the role of school in the current context where media is an important player in society. It pondered on the importance of participation for the exercise of citizenship and the relationship between the production of communication and the construction of identities and world views. It also draws attention to the educational trajectory of Brazilian youths, looking into the current condition of education in the rural area of the country. The investigation proved that producing communication through a participatory and dialogical methodology offers youths the opportunity to think about their own issues and their living conditions, both local and global. Not least important, it strengthens solidarity ties, increases critical thinking about mass media and raises the exercise of citizenship in the community.