Experiências de velhices negras em Santa Cruz do Sul - RS.

Abstract

This master's thesis in regional development examines the experiences of older Black people in Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. The study investigates how elderly Black residents of the municipality experience manifestations of racism throughout their life trajectories, employing the theoretical framework of Development as Freedom proposed by Indian economist Amartya Sen. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach with a phenomenological viewpoint to comprehend how the participants perceived their own life experiences. To collect data, 11 self-identified Black participants who were 60 years of age or older and resided in the municipality took part in life history narratives, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. The data were analyzed and categorized using Bardin’s Content Analysis methodology. The findings reveal that structural racism consistently shaped the participants’ life paths, negatively impacting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and political and cultural participation. The results reveal that structural racism continuously marked the participants' trajectories, negatively impacting their access to education, the labor market, healthcare, and political and cultural participation. The urge to conform to whiteness norms and the affirmation of Black identities remain daily challenges even in old age. Nevertheless, forms of resistance were identified, such as engagement in cultural spaces, strengthening of Black identity, and building community solidarity networks. The ultimate research is that, despite initiatives to advance racial affirmation and cultural valorization, chances for individual and group growth among older Black people are still severely limited by enduring structural constraints Thus, it is evident that there is a pressing need to develop laws and implement reforms that give this minority more liberties while valuing their cultural and historical contributions and advancing justice and inclusivity.