Voices of impoverished Brazilian women: health implications of roles and resources.
Women Health
; 24(1): 1-20, 1996.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-8883368
ABSTRACT
PIP: This article describes a qualitative study of women's role in an impoverished peri-urban squatter community in Brazil. The convenience sample included 75 women, comprised of Roman Catholics (51%), Protestants (17%), Spiritists (17%), and unreligiously-affiliated (11%). 26 women were illiterate. 49 had some primary school education. 59% had income that was below the poverty line. 92% reported their income as inadequate. 17 households did not have piped water, and 5 households did not have electricity. None had telephones. Only 28 had refrigerators. Interviews were conducted at the local health post among a sample that was largely unexposed to the questionnaire survey process, which sometimes posed difficulties. Attempts were made to seek out divergent cases or experiences and alternative explanations. Findings indicate that all the women identified themselves as the member of the household responsible for domestic housekeeping, and all saw that role as their most time- and energy-consuming. Most had at least 1 child. 72% were married, and 16% lived with a male partner. 12% were single, widowed, or divorced. Most were dependent upon spouses for economic support. 29 women had some employment outside the home. Women reported the lack of child care as a major reason for not being employed. There were other barriers. The women valued their role as mothers, but work and worries were dominant themes. Women complained about their partner's alcohol and drug misuse, domestic violence, and a lack of appreciation or affection. Working women reported socioeconomic satisfaction and work overload. Women's living conditions were harsh. Women showed considerable inner strength and creativity in dealing with demands and stresses.
Key words
Americas; Behavior; Brazil; Crime; Developing Countries; Domestic Violence; Economic Factors; Family And Household; Family Life Surveys; Family Research; Female Role; Health--women; Housework; Husband-wife Communication; Interpersonal Relations; Latin America; Low Income Population--women; Microeconomic Factors; Partner Communication; Poverty; Psychological Factors; Satisfaction; Social Behavior; Social Class; Social Problems; Socioeconomic Factors; Socioeconomic Status; South America; Stress; Women's Status
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Poverty
/
Women's Health
/
Health Resources
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Equity_inequality
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Language:
En
Journal:
Women Health
Year:
1996
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States
Country of publication:
United States