Componentes culturais e as práticas de descarte de resíduos sólidos no Brasil e na Alemanha

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between cultural components and solid waste disposal practices in the context of Brazilian and German university students. To achieve this objective, we chose to carry out qualitative research with ethnographic inspiration, of an exploratory and descriptive nature, under the interpretative paradigm. (BURRELL; MORGAN, 1987). As for the means, it is classified as a documental and field. During 6 months, data were collected in the city of Bremen, Germany, and for another 6 months in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. At that time, observations, notes, interviews and photographs related to the subject were carried out, with the researcher immersing himself in the students' local culture. The results showed that the disposal of solid waste is a constant concern in Germany. The separation of waste for recycling is the main practice of disposal. In Brazil, the main practice is the disposal of all wastes in only one garbage dump, the so-called common waste. In addition, various elements of material culture and communication and language systems are involved in this practice. In the material culture of the two countries, institutions have emerged with a strong point, reinforcing these practices. Already within communication and language systems, verbal and non-verbal communication were essential for everyone to maintain a socially acceptable pattern of practices and these practices being passed on for generations, making change difficult.