Microempreendedor individual e suas críticas: o caso do município de Sant’Ana do Livramento - RS

Abstract

his research aims to conduct a survey on the emergence, development, and point out the contradictions existing in the legal figure of the Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI) in the municipality of Sant'Ana do Livramento - RS. The legal figure of the MEI was established through Complementary Law No. 128/2008, with the aim of providing a simplified and specific treatment to small enterprises. This initiative aims, above all, to meet the needs of workers operating in the informal sector, ensuring proper legal support. Since then, several studies have pointed out various criticisms of the MEI legal figure. For the development of the research, issues were addressed such as the laws regulating the MEI and the transformations in the legislation, the numbers of MEIs and their evolution by sector, and the contradictions in the legal figure such as "pejotização" (outsourcing schemes), the Salon Partner Law, and social security. This research used an explanatory and descriptive method. As for the nature of the research, it is classified as qualitative, summarized through bibliographic research in various sources, internet research, and legislation that supported the analysis. For a better analysis and understanding of the theme, tables, data, and graphs were also used. The research analyzes the remarkable growth of MEIs, highlighting their predominance in sectors such as clothing, hairdressing, retail, and construction, emphasizing the presence of foreigners among the entrepreneurs. It points out the transformations in the labor market, influences of neoliberal policies, and challenges inherent in the precariousness of labor relations, especially highlighting "pejotização". The pursuit of social security is highlighted as a significant reason for joining the MEI, besides suggesting the need for more comprehensive policies to deal with the contradictions and challenges faced by MEIs. It proposes the search for a balance between stimulating entrepreneurship, creating formal employment, and protecting labor rights as essential for sustainable and inclusive development, emphasizing the importance of future research on the subject.