Abstract

BORDES, Mariana. "Alternative therapies" as a social space of opportunities: Paths between working and caring. Trab. soc. [online]. 2013, n.20, pp.375-394. ISSN 1514-6871.

The aim of this paper is to tackle the social space of alternative therapies, analyzing in particular the dynamic field of reflexology. Returning to the analytical perspective of the trajectories, we emphasize that the senses that make searches to study and implement this body of knowledge are therapeutic marked by multiple variables, among which we highlight two main areas. On the one hand, referring to the work area, including a continuum of professional profiles that revolve around signifiers such as "vocation" or to the consideration that reflexology offers a range of viable resources to address situations of labour redefinition. Furthermore, path analysis makes visible that the study of this alternative is articulated with a dimension of care. Here, the meanings ranging from searches for knowledge, the construction of the therapy as an area for socializing and strengthening of ties and their implementation and practice of family care. In this context, we postulate that this therapy becomes an opportunity space whose resources enable differential appropriations and projections. The research is related to a doctoral thesis focuses on the processes of construction of therapeutic ways, with special attention to the field of reflexology, carried forward from a qualitative approach.

Keywords : Alternative therapies; Paths of specialization; Profession; Self-care; Social space of opportunities.

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