Construindo a visibilidade : identidade e saúde mental dos garis em uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

This study explores, through a bibliographic analysis, the professional identity of street cleaners and their mental health, highlighting the phenomenon of social invisibility and the adverse working conditions these professionals face. The aim was to analyze how identity characteristics and mental health issues are addressed in scientific literature, considering the social, professional, and cultural demands surrounding street cleaners. The research, conducted in the format of a qualitative narrative review, included an analysis of academic publications up to 2023. The results indicate that street cleaners face stigmatization, marginalization, precarious working conditions, social devaluation, and negative impacts on their self-esteem and mental health. Factors such as exhaustive work hours, exposure to occupational hazards, and a lack of institutional support are recurrent in their activities. Furthermore, it was found that street cleaners, predominantly Black women, endure a double workload and intersectional challenges of gender and race, which exacerbate their vulnerability. It is concluded that intersectional strategies and inclusive public policies are crucial to improving the working conditions of these professionals. Moreover, fostering in-depth discussions about the mental health of street cleaners and valuing this essential profession for society is imperative.