Social organization and rural associative management among women in the Semiarid Region of Sergipe

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze the management processes and the relationships around decision-making in the “Resgatando sua História” Women’s Association, located in the rural area of the outback of Sergipe. With this in mind, this research was developed from the perspective of the interdisciplinary interpretation of the observed facts, from the Social Sciences area of study, using a qualitative approach to the analysis of the collected information. For such an analytical perspective, data were obtained through individual interviews with all members and with five former members of the Association; application of a questionnaire with two technicians from partner institutions; conducting a focus group with associates; documentary research; notes in a field diary; participation in regular meetings of the Association and systematic observation. Thanks to the analyses, the role and decision-making autonomy of the members in the administration of this collective was verified, as well as the appropriation by the farmer-managers of control instruments, with the construction of a management system adapted to their reality and demands. Thus, women developed a self-management of the Association’s activities and endogenous resources in a democratic and participatory manner, following logics found in literature on forms of management of Solidarity Economic Enterprises.