“A family that works”: Workshops for the generation of work and income of Rehabilitation, Work and Art in Pelotas (RS)

Abstract

With the purpose of highlighting the importance of reciprocity (giving, gett ing and returning) over against the social stigma of the disease in the process of social inclusion through work, the article analyzes the relationships established between professionals and users in the workshops for the generation of work and income at RETRATE – Reabilitação, Trabalho e Arte [= Rehabilitation, Work and Art] in Pelotas (RS). Essentially based on the theoretical contributions of Goffman, Guareschi and Caillé, as well as a combination of them with the methodological proposals of the sociology of everyday life, it presents the discourses and practices found in the RETRATE workshops. The result shows that despite the tensions and contradictions in the process of social inclusion through work, the triple obligation of giving, getting and returning is conceived as relevant by the group. Thus, it is essential for the re-signification of the identity of persons
with mental disturbances and for the minimization of the social stigma associated with the disease.

Key words: mental health, stigma, reciprocity.