Dimensions of motorwork in Pelotas - RS

experiences of (in)formality and precariousness

Abstract

The purpose of this article consists of discussing and understanding sociologically the overview of precariousness and informality that involves the experience of motoboys and mototaxi riders’ work in the city of Pelotas - RS. The reflexions come from the author´s Master dissertation, whose objective was to understand the insertion and permanence logic of the motoworkers in activities considered risky and dangerous, as well as to analyze the workers perception about the economic aspects of this job. The idea presented here was based on the data of the research mentioned above, under methodology of ethnographic exercises and oral history. It aims to go forward on the possible conceptual analyzes of precariousness and informality. These concepts are configured in the dynamics of motowork, where the experience of socially protected employment finds less and less viability and acceptance by motoworkers. After all, what does it mean and what are the effects of precarious job on a logic of capitalist economy where informality usually presents itself as an available alternative to unemployment and the "formal" shows symptomatic traits of precariousness?