A Associação dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis de Imperatriz: pensando a ação coletiva no meio urbano

Abstract

The present study focuses on the Association of Recyclable Materials Collectors of Imperatriz (ASCAMARI), founded in 2010. The objective of the research is to understand and relate the association's creation history, as well as the profile and life history of its members, to theoretical elements of associationalism and collective action. The goal is to comprehend the importance of the recycling collectors' association in the lives of its members. To achieve this, we discuss different perspectives on associationalism, collective action, social action, and other issues such as symbolic interactionism, social stigma, and struggles for recognition. Among the authors discussed are Olson, Park, Mead, Blumer, and Honneth. The research was conducted through participant observation and qualitative interviews. In the field, among daily information, 8 out of the 12 members of the association were interviewed. The field reflection was that the association, in addition to providing financial improvement, represents the manifestation of the individual interests of its members, who seek to maximize their benefits through collectivity. Another point is the association's manifestation before society, which increasingly values the work of recycling collectors, even putting aside prejudices. It was also found that the association faces intellectual challenges, in the sense that the leadership of the association is always composed of the same individuals. In recent years, no new leaders have emerged to advance the project; for example, if during its formation, the association had support from Cáritas in partnership with intellectuals and volunteers, ASCAMARI now mainly depends on the public authorities. The association's new projects are not progressing as planned, mainly due to a lack of adequate and coordinated programming. The broom factory and carpentry are idle, and soap production is not occurring at a satisfactory level. Thus, the association remains focused only on the collection and processing of recyclables, a situation that could further threaten its continuity when another association, formed by workers from the current landfill in Imperatriz, becomes operational. Interviews revealed that the association also served as a model for the creation of several other associations throughout Maranhão, always with the participation of Cáritas.