Regional development: the organizational communication as possibility for the constitution of the identity of the subjects in Programa Catavida of Novo Hamburgo-RS

Abstract

This study analyzes the regional development and formation of an identity for catadores (individuals that search through garbage seeking to identify and collect recyclable material) through the organizational communication of the Programa Municipal de Gestão de Resíduos Sólidos Catavida. The Programa Catavida was created and implemented by the city of Novo Hamburgo, RS with the intention of organizing catador activity in the city in order to provide them proper working conditions, fair pay and consequential improvement in quality of life. This is an exploratory study, qualitative and quantitative, and uses the techniques of bibliographical research, documentation, participant observation, questionnaires and interviews. Sixty-seven catadores responded to questionnaires, and twelve catadores were interviewed. The results of this study show that organizational communication of the Programa Catavida interfered the formation of a new identity among catadores due to the new value they felt as professionals in the community. As for the program's contribution to their lives, it may be seen that income is the most important element in the formation of their identities.