Abstract
Taking as a starting point the premise that conducting academic research can be engaged in social change, particularly in areas marked by social inequality, we intend with this article to give visibility to intersubjetivity and ethical-political commitment as a guide for members of the research activity. The research described, which has qualitative character, is referenced by ethnography and participant survey and was carried out in Baixada Santista’s community in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The results indicated that much of the good aspects of research are due to the process of building social and emotional bonds, to the extent that such bonds allow for experiences to be shared and stimulates dialogue, which, in turn, generate new learning sets among the social actors involved. Furthermore, this research engaged with the goal of community strengthening, which triggered other activities, the main one being university outreach programs in the territory.
Keywords:
ethical-political; affectivity; fieldwork; participant research