Abstract
We investigated the conceptions of inhabitants of a neighborhood that has Therapeutic Residences (RTs) about the interaction with residents of RTs, and analyzed with the aid of social identity theory and the theory of social representations. The methodological procedures are guided by ethnographic perspective. Participants know the residents by name and "by sight", especially with the presence of these in commercial establishments. The movement of residents on the neighborhood has favored the participants for this dialogue, but this conversation was restricted to brief encounters: "we walk by, say hi here and there". The creation of linkages between participants and residents coexists with the representations that enable the lack of dialogue in everyday interaction. The social representation of the RTs dwellers as "limited" have a specific and important function to the participants, related to the social identity. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the possibility for this interaction in public space.
Keywords:
therapeutical residences; group; deinstitutionalization; social representations; social identity