Challenges and perspectives: unemployment and masculinity

Authors

  • Luciene Jimenez
  • Fernando Lefévre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v8i2.3258

Keywords:

unemployment, masculinity, health

Abstract

Unemployment has been, over the past 30 years, a world-wide and increasing phenomenon, impacting more intensely the poorest countries. In the region of the ABC - São Paulo, this situation has affected particularly men in their productive years. Considering the aspect of gender, unemployment for the male relates to capability of providing for the material needs of his family. The objective of this study was to investigate the various trade categories, the particular work and the masculinity issues of men faced with long periods of unemployment - i.e. more than one year. Individual and semi-structured interviews made with fifteen men, who were married, unemployed and living in the cities of Diadema and São Bernardo do Campo (SP). A collective subject’s analysis discourse was performed. The males interviewed, only considered “work” as an employment circumstance that guarantees their status both as employees and providers. Unemployment is sensed as a rupture within the social net and as a personal defeat. Any income earned through alternative activities are discounted because, although they may place the person within the average wage level of the market, access to social security is not guaranteed, neither does it promote the person as a family provider. It is suggested in this context that the use of alcohol, drugs, and violence emerge as an alternative to re-establishing a recognized social position and self-definition as a productive male.

Keywords: unemployment; masculinity; health.

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How to Cite

Jimenez, L., & Lefévre, F. (2004). Challenges and perspectives: unemployment and masculinity. Interação Em Psicologia, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.5380/psi.v8i2.3258

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2004)

Section

Articles

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