Research on the Meaning of Domestic Work in Brazil: Social Utility and Theoretical Contribution

Background. Strategies to promote decent work are a significant challenge for Work and Organizational Psychology (WOP) in Latin America. It has inherited theories from Western countries based on studies on formal work. Brazil is a Latin country that has recently increased its scientific output, especially on the meaning of work, a concept seen as a consequence of decent work. Almost half of Brazilian workers work in the informal market. One area within this is domestic work, whose origins date back to slavery at the beginning of the colonial era. Has Brazilian WOP developed theoretical contributions on the meaning of work that support the recognition of its social usefulness in tackling the issues of this occupation?

Proposal. The essay aims to critically analyze the social utility of WOP, focusing on domestic work. It is based on the proposition that senses and meanings are part of building each individual’s relationship with the context.Structure. The essay is divided into five sections, including final considerations. The first two are introductory, arguing for the topic’s relevance and outlining the paper’s overall approach. The third section presents an exploratory narrative review of Brazilian WOP scientific production on domestic work, depicting the historical, psychosocial, and normative natures of this line of work. The fourth summarizes the theoretical foundations of the meaning of work adopted, based on the proposed split between meaning and meaningfulness of work.Conclusions. The essay concludes (section five) with proposals to redefine the role of WOP and point out ways to promote its social usefulness. Thus, a new question arises, central to any empirical science that is politically and ethically committed: Is WOP ready for the challenge of supporting changes in the reality of domestic work in Brazil?