Territórios da cozinha sob a ótica de empregadas domésticas

Abstract

Domestic kitchens have recently been renamed in terms of architectural and mediatic aspects that assign the show of food preparation, silencing several dimensions associated with cooking. To discuss this framework, our objective is to identify and analyze kitchen territories under the domestic servants’ perspective. Starting from a structural epistemology, this research study was conducted using inductive method based on a qualitative and descriptive approach, in which photo elicitation data were collected and discourse analysis used to deal with maids’ speeches. Main results suggest territories marked by different elements. We found different forms of appropriation and different arguments that support them, such as “real kitchen”, in which cooking is related to an obligation, and to an often melancholic and sad daily life; “modern kitchen” as a space of social status and distinction; “well-assembled kitchen” as a space of pleasure and joy; and “kitchen as a showcase”, enabling self-promotion through the exhibition. Domestic servants sought to move away from some images and approach others, as if trying to understand which territory resembled their experiences and desires. Main implications suggest politicize seemingly neutral spaces, such as the kitchen, also perceive them from the point of view of social production of race, sex and work inequalities, highlighting dialogues of intersectionality in Organizational Studies field.