As maternidades em contexto de vulnerabilidade social : pensando acerca do imaginário coletivo.

Abstract

Women confronting inequalities and mothers in contexts of social vulnerability are faced with a series of considerable challenges, requiring remarkable resilience. The core of this research was to deepen the understanding of the collective imaginary of users of a social assistance service about the experience of motherhood in a social vulnerability context. Another aim was to instigate a deeper reflection on this topic, since an inadequate approach can precipitate a state of overall helplessness, which has negative consequences on the mental health of these women. In this context, the research sought to decipher the collective perceptions about this reality, examining the interconnection of complex factors that delimit this experience. Given the intrinsic significance of this investigation, it becomes crucial to direct specific attention to these women, since they often deal with weakened ties and are frequently deprived of access to their full rights as citizens. The sample of this study was selected by convenience, including seven adult mothers living in a situation of social vulnerability and who were followed in a Social Assistance Reference Center, actively participating in the Comprehensive Family Care Program. Adopting a qualitative approach, individual interviews were conducted using the Drawing-and-Story with Theme Procedure, a technique inspired by Winnicott's Squiggle Game developed by Aiello-Vaisberg to facilitate communication, foster creativity and encourage the participants' spontaneity. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using the method of Mary Jane Spink. As a result, this study generated the "Motherhood Cards" as a technical product, aiming to catalyze the reflections, the exchange of perspectives and the deconstruction of paradigms in the social care teams. This tool assumes the role of an instrument for continuous education about the intersection between motherhood and social vulnerability. In short, this study reinforces the importance of implementing policies that offer social, family and psychological support to amplify preventive approaches and provide comprehensive support to women living in this challenging situation.