Abstract

SOUSA, Isabela Cabral Félix de. The integration of Brazilian immigrant women in Rome: conquests and difficulties. Imaginario [online]. 2007, vol.13, n.14, pp. 399-415. ISSN 1413-666X.

This study focuses on the integration of Brazilian immigrant women in Rome. The research is theoretically anchored in the perspective of gender relations giving priority to the feminine empowerment and the biggest visibility of women in the migratory process. Using a qualitative methodology approach, this research was conducted with fieldwork notes taken at local sites and 83 interviews (women, men and people representing keys roles in the Brazilian community). The content analysis disclosed that the social integration occurred for many of them but that solitude is also one of their biggest torments. It is emphasized that a bigger degree of social integration does not necessarily mean for such women the desire to remain forever in Italy. The women’s satisfaction with the job depends on the work previously carried out in Brazil and on their level of education. Despite the many difficulties experienced by them, many of those women feel fortified by their psychological, social, cultural and material conquests in Rome. Note that, if for some women the migratory process is only instrumental, for others it is promotional and results in women’s emancipation.

Keywords : Immigration; Brazilian women; Rome.

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