Mudanças nas famílias brasileiras (1976-2012): uma perspectiva de classe e gênero

Abstract

This research analyzes the changes in Brazilian families from the perspective of the differences between classes and of the women's autonomy in the period from 1976 to 2012. It is analyzed the aspects of family formation, reproduction, socialization of children and division of labor (domestic and paid). The first part presents the research object and its theoretical and historical approach. Chapter 1 presents the research problem, placing it in the overall picture of changes in the status of women in families in the West and of the hypotheses of class present in research on gender and family in Brazil. Chapter 2 presents the theoretical framework employed, considering the relationship between family life and the stratification of class and gender, and the perspective of social change as a transformation in the balance of power. Chapter 3 provides historical evidence of the diversity and changes in the long term of the family practices and the labels associated with them, paying especial attention to the Brazilian modernization experience from 1976 to 2012, period chosen for data analysis. In the second part, are investigated the changes in the central dimensions of family life, related to union, reproduction and socialization of children. Enfasis is conceded to the regulation of fertility by contraception, the postponement of marriage and motherhood, the changes in the balance of power in couples, and the superation - and also reversion - of the educational disadvantages of daughters compared to sons. It is also considered persistent issues of inequality in each of these spheres, such as intimate partner violence, teenage motherhood and the difficulties in the autonomization process of young people. The third part considers the process of construction of the economic autonomy of women at the intersection between the dimensions of domestic and paid work. In Chapter 7, after noting the general trend and variations by class in the growth of women's participation in the labor market, it is demontrated that the female engagement is still affected by family characteristics. It is also noted the growing presence of income due to work or from another source, which leads to consider the debate about social policies that focalize women. Chapter 8 analyzes the division of domestic work and care work, aspect in which gender inequalities follow significant not only in the adult generation but also among children, which leads to discuss the limits in the transformation of gender stratification and the proposals around the reconciliation of work and family and public care. In conclusion, it is emphasized that, despite variations by class in the pace and extent of change, Brazilian women, in the period 1976-2012, moving toward a better gender balance in family relationships. It was also problematized the limits of the changes and some of its implications for the class and gender dynamics, suggesting some directions for future research.