Surgimento de microempreendedores em meio à pandemia: uma análise da produção de subjetividade a partir da ótica do trabalho imaterial

Abstract

This research sought to analyze the immaterial labor of microentrepreneurs who emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical framework discusses entrepreneurship and immaterial labor, highlighting its composition from subjectivity and cooperation. As a method, a cartography was carried out, with a qualitative approach and an exploratory character. For data production, direct observations of the entrepreneurs' social networks, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation through the consumption of the products sold by the entrepreneurs were carried out. Six entrepreneurs who opened their handicraft, gastronomy, and confectionary businesses in the middle of the pandemic participated. As results, it is evident the identification of subjectivities that led these individuals to become entrepreneurs, such as the taste for the area, the professional challenge, personal satisfaction, the affective and emotional relationship, the family background, and the need for income. It is also evident the important role of the cooperation networks in these enterprises, formed initially by family members, friends, and neighbors who opened paths in the social networks of the Internet; and the different ways of mobilizing themselves for immaterial work such as creative activities, affective involvement, dialogue with customers, co creation, exchange and circulation of knowledge, personal satisfaction, and dedication when performing tasks. Finally, it is emphasized that the immaterial work linked to entrepreneurship values handmade products that, besides bringing affective meanings to microentrepreneurs, also provide them with a source of income during the pandemic.