Relevance of social networks in social mobilization to deal with arboviruses in the municipality of Betim, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This article consists of an analysis of the social networks of the residents of a community in Betim, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to understand how they can be used in social mobilization strategies against dengue, zika, and chikungunya within the territory. The life trajectory method was used to analyze the events and social conditioning factors of the formation, maintenance, and rupture of these networks, the quality and intensity of the bonds, the characteristics of social capital, and its variation along the trajectory of individuals. The understanding of the structure of the networks highlights some important aspects for the elaboration of new social mobilization strategies within the scope of the health surveillance proposal to be implemented locally. Within the trajectory of the interviewees, the neighborhood was revealed as an important network of reciprocity and provision of resources in daily life, considering the physical proximity and the duration of the relationships. Additionally, religious networks have a significant presence in the daily lives of residents, being strongly anchored in the provision of social “assistance” guided by solidarity values. We believe that the popular committees can stimulate these networks, especially the religious ones, to use their cultural and symbolic repertoire to work on issues of interest to the neighborhoods, such as the promotion of health, promotion of healthy and sustainable territories, local development and income generation, infrastructure improvement, and environmental preservation.