Infância e trabalho na Amazônia: realidade de crianças ribeirinhas no município de Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas.

Abstract

Amazonian childhood, especially in riverside communities, is immersed in multiple vulnerabilities. Despite the guarantees established by national and international legislation, children remain exposed to child labor, a consequence of historical inequalities and the absence of the State in marginalized territories. This dissertation addresses the issue of child labor in rural communities of Novo Aripuanã, in the state of Amazonas, aiming to understand the factors that sustain this practice. The research was guided by the following questions: what are the social, economic, and territorial conditions that favor the persistence of child labor in the riverside communities of Novo Aripuanã? And how do children perceive their role in the community and their participation in productive activities? The general objective was to analyze the reality of child labor in these communities, considering the historical, social, and territorial contexts of riverside childhood. Specific objectives included understanding the social construction of childhood and its relationship with labor, contextualizing the Amazon territory, and identifying, through fieldwork, local practices and perceptions related to the theme. The methodology followed a qualitative and exploratory approach, with a literature review and field research carried out in the communities of Repartimento, São Félix, and Santa Rosa II. Questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations were used. The results show that child labor is widely naturalized in these territories, especially in activities related to family farming, and is often perceived as family support. However, this participation represents a silent violation of children's rights. Nonetheless, a strong sense of belonging and collective identity was observed, which highlights the need for intersectoral, culturally sensitive, and territorially appropriate public policies to ensure the full development of Amazonian children.