Children in the household economy on the lower Tapajós region (Brazilian Amazon): To help, to learn, “to get used to”

Abstract:

This article joins the literature examining children's contribution to small farmers’ economy in Brazil by describing how children from the lower Tapajós region contribute to their parents’ work in crop fields, domestic chores, hunting and fishing. Tapajós children, who also attend part-time school, acquire traditional knowledge and locally valued skills through their participation in these activities. My interlocutors associate this learning process with the idea of “getting used to” (se acostumar) and I show, in accordance with other studies, that this process implies long-time observation and progressive participation in adult's activities. In the conclusion, I insist that going through this process allows the persons to appropriate the local way of life and stay in these communities, if they want to.

Keywords:
Children, Work; Learning practices; Amazonia; Household economy