Reproduction of gender in backyard care in Brazil [A reprodução de gênero no cuidado dos quintais no Brasil]

Abstract

This article is a review aimed to discuss the importance of gardens in the dissemination of culture crops and folk medicine and the role of women in this process, highlighting the diversity of activities and the differences between genders. From the methodological point of view, the article is carried out through the qualitative approach, insofar as it seeks to understand the meanings attributed by women to the culture of backyards and folk medicine. As for the instruments used, the bibliographical survey and interviews guided by a script with the subjects of the research are highlighted. Backyards gain new meanings and uses over time and persist in urban areas. In traditional communities, these spaces are aimed, among others, harbor a diverse flora with ornamental uses, food, medicinal or religious, and some individuals in the community are responsible for the transmission of knowledge related to the use of plants in these locations. However, it is observed that the reproduction of this practice also involves the reproduction of gender inequality. After the analysis of scientific papers, it was observed that women are primarily responsible for maintaining the yard, application and dissemination of knowledge generated in this environment; and backyards provide the preservation of diverse plant species associated with cultural identity, regional and religious customs, which can be considered strategic for maintaining the health of the community and culture. On the other hand, if there playback gender inequalities, in that on the yards of women fall care tasks, naturalizing up this role. © 2017, Centro de Investigaciones Agroalimentarias (CIAAL). All rights reserved.