Women Shellfish Collectors: Economic and Social Implications of the Shellfish Extractivism Perna perna (Linnaeus) in Paraná Coast, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to elaborate a diagnosis of the situation experienced by women who practice the collection of shellfish from Paraná Coast, revealing the economic and social implications of shellfish collection that may be limiting the activity. The study showed that women are predominant in the activity, and they are developing the activities related to the extraction of mollusks since adolescence. The study also revealed that women shellfish collector had an average of 4 children and had a low level of education and high levels of illiteracy. The average income obtained was on average of USD 107.90, with the majority of the interviewees (n = 93%) having in the activity the only source of income. It should be noted in relation to the income obtained, these women can be classified in the group of people living on the “poverty line” who are the people who receive an income of up to US$ 5.5 (approximately R$ 22.00) per day. 86% of the interviewees reported that, due to the humidity in the workplace and the repetitive movements, they already had some health problem. The main implications of the activity were associated to the low income measured with the activity and the unhealthy environment, and the potentialities such as income generation and the possibility of reconciling professional activities with domestic ones were the most positively highlighted. The collective organization can be considered the main alternative of this group of women in the fight for better remuneration, work environment and quality of life.