O trabalho dos carroceiros na cidade de Natal: cotidiano, política e emoções em torno de uma atividade ameaçada

Abstract

The continuous process of urbanization seems to be a stimulus to conflicts in relation to what can be allowed or not in urban spaces. This is the case of traditional use of carts moved by animal traction, which has been strongly questioned and progressively banned in many Brazilian cities. In Natal (Rio Grande do Norte), the same process occurs and this prohibition is determined by the implementation of the Municipal Policy for the Removal of Animal Traction Vehicles (so called PMRVTA), which is still under discussion. The formulation of a public policy proposal has been developed with the participation of a large and very heterogeneous number of agents and institutions which get into conflict with a diversity of people who use animal carts for different aims, although many people drive animal carts as their main job. While we consider that this kind of work is threatened by complaints and public denunciations made by different social segments, this Master dissertation aims to understand the practices, dilemmas and social impact undertaken by animal cart workers in Natal. Conducting an ethnographic fieldwork, which was mostly based on participant observation, in-depth interviews and document analysis, we have intended to present the world of experiences lived by these cart workers. Meanwhile we analyze the conflicts related to the work with animal carts as well as the specificity concerning this job. We consider the dynamics of social conflict among many different public authorities and agents, specialists, above all animal protection activists and NGOs, besides the animal cart workers. All these conflict demonstrate disputes and deeply unequal power relations in regard to the discussion and formulation of the PMRVTA. In addition, we intend to understand how moralities and emotions, associated to claims for modernity and urban life, are highlighted in this social field and, therefore, they might strongly affect animal cart workers lives. Ideas related to this public policy disturb a particular social world, which is based on the profound relationship between humans and their animals through which family care and transport are conditioned.