A institucionalização da cooperação por meio de práticas de trabalho entre atores locais: um estudo de caso em uma comunidade vulnerável da região amazônica

Abstract

The main objective of the work is to propose a conceptual scheme to understand how the institutionalization of cooperation occurs through work practices among local actors in a vulnerable community in the Amazon region. The focus of the work was the cooperation among local actors, as a new institution which was established from the theoretical lens of institutional work theory. For the effectiveness of the objective, the research was based on the methodological assumptions of the case study. The instruments for data collection were semi-structured interviews, field journals and documentary research. In order to reach the objective the empirical context of the thesis was the case of the “Vale do Amanhecer” community of Juruena town in the state of Mato Grosso. Is an original case to be studied because cooperation among local actors has been developed, who experience the condition of social vulnerability. In this environment, cooperation has become important to minimize social problems in economic, social and environmental aspects, providing local development from extractivist productive activities. The research data point out that the reality of social vulnerability itself experienced in the community motivates the social actors to develop cooperation. In addition there are work practices developed in technical, political and cultural, as well as behaviors that promote cooperation. In relation to the results of these practices, it was possible to highlight some relevant changes in the economic, social and cultural aspects of the community. With regard to economic aspects, the creation of collective jobs for farmers and indigenous people, income generation, acquisitions of building infrastructure, equipment and production machines in areas of family agriculture and indigenous areas were evident as well. Among the social aspects, there was the insertion of women's work, development of extractive activities in areas of family and indigenous agriculture, publicity of positive results from scientific and media productions, participation in national and international events, awards as recognition of the practices of work developed in the region, valorization of food from local producers, technical training for local residents. Yet regarding environmental aspects, we can see support for publicizing and complying with the local legislation inherent in burning in agricultural areas, reuse of wood and reforestation of degraded areas with local species, efforts for environmental education and maintenance of extractive activities. It can be considered that the creation of the institution cooperation in the analyzed social context is supported by the accomplishment of work practices that are developed from the submission of social projects with the promotion of financial resources or voluntary labor in the region. This research contributed to the theoretical field by pointing out that the theory of institutional work is relevant to analyze the institutionalization of habits, behaviors and customs in the analyzed social context and to present the phases that constitute the process of institutionalization of cooperation. The phases include: motivation of social actors; mobilization; Intensification of practices and feedback to legitimize practices.