The use of mental maps as a methodology for the development of the agroecological transition and the autonomy of rural women

Abstract

This work intends to report a methodological proposal that is being carried out by the Center
for Studies in Agroecology and Feminist Economics (NEA / IFSP-Matão), which deals with an
action carried out with the productive group of women of the Córrego Rico Settlement in Jaboticabal,
SP. Among the activities developed, actions were taken to strengthen the women’s
group, gender training, feminist economics and agroecology. The emphasis in this paper is to
present the methodology for the construction of spatial perception maps that allow the identification
of the productive, autonomous and agroecological work place of women, called in the
literature of productive backyards. Before discussing the determination and demonstration of
the sexual division of labor that occurs in the family, promoting reflection on gender inequalities
in family-based agriculture, it is proposed to analyze the maps. These fulfill the role of methodology
for extension work with women, as well as research methodology about work and,
consequently, the economy of women. In view of the actions developed, some considerations
were pointed out: redefinition of productive yards; Relationship between women’s perceptions and the definitions of feminist economics; Construction of agroecology through the development
of women’s autonomy; Relationship between productive work and the reproduction of
agrosociobiodiversidade.