A Woman’s Place is… in Politics: Reflections about Micro and Macroaggressions of Identities

Abstract

Objective: analyze the identity constitution of women who have entered politics in Brazil, in the face of a scenario of micro and macroaggressions. Theoretical approach: identity theory, in which identity is defined as a self-reflexive concept that allows individuals to know and understand themselves in the midst of cultural, social, and organizational specificities. Method: basic qualitative study carried out with assistance of semi-structured interviews content analysis. Results: the main results showed that the identity of women active in politics is gradually formed; however, this construction is permeated by attempts of invalidations since the intention of candidacy. The invalidations through microaggressions permeate the organizational context and, because they are present on a larger scale, they highlight what is pointed out as macroaggressions. Conclusions: this study contributes to the literature by proposing the concept of macroaggressions. In practical terms, this study brings as a contribution a discussion focused on SDG 5 and the need for a greater female insertion in Brazilian political organizations.