Juventude e identidade: o processo de significação e construção do ser quilombola entre os(as) jovens da comunidade Adelaide Maria Trindade Batista de Palmas/Paraná

Abstract

This research observed the process of identity construction in a quilombola community in the city of Palmas, in the state of Paraná. The research was aimed at knowing and analyzing how the process of building identities by the youth of the Quilombola Community Adelaide Maria Trindade Batista. In order to arrive at the desired answers, we used the type of ethnographic research and methods of data collect participatory observation, field journal and semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the data collected was based on theoretical references that discuss identity and difference and their forms of representation. From the concept of youth pointed out by the community itself, we find that the individuals defined as young recognize themselves as remaining quilombolas and preserve the culture of their ancestors mainly through the Catholic religion and the transmission of memories and customs by the older members of the community. According to the narratives of older members, young people has a fundamental role in the continuity of culture and in the conquest of the territory. However, although they are pointed as fundamental elements in the continuity of the local culture, they do not have an active participation in the decisions of the community. Youth is understood as a stage of preparation for adult life, of social moratorium. They are not yet able to participate and make decisions. The family, church, and school stand out as key elements in the construction, transmission and preservation of identity just assumed. The results indicate that the quilombola identity is closely related to the school, because it is at school that the identity construction is encouraged at all times. The school work is carried out with the purpose of making the students recognize themselves, assume the identity of the quilombola and be proud. The conclusion of the research highlights the importance of the role of identities in the conquest of right by the traditional black and quilombola peoples and communities, who have been fighting for visibility in the spheres of power for years.