Citation

Leão LH. Cien. Saude Colet. 2016; 21(12): 3927-3936.

Vernacular Title

Trabalho escravo contemporâneo como um problema de saúde pública.

Affiliation

Grupo de Estudos Ambientais e de Saúde do Trabalhador, Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Av. Fernando Corrêa 2367, Boa Esperança. 78060-900 Cuiabá MT Brasil.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva)

DOI

10.1590/1413-812320152112.12302015

PMID

27925132

Abstract

Modern-day slave labor is one of the most pernicious and persistent social problems in Brazil. In the light of the need to implement a national occupational health policy, this paper discusses slave labor as a public health concern, highlighting possibilities for broadening strategies for vigilance and comprehensive care for this specific working population. Exploratory qualitative research was carried out based on the "social construction of reality" proposed by Lenoir, Berger and Luckmann. The investigation consisted of a theoretical review of modern-day slave labor on the national and international scene within the scope of the human, social and public health sciences and an analysis of social and political practices to tackle modern-day slave labor was conducted in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Semi-structured individual and group interviews with workers and representatives of social movements and public institutions were organized. The results reveal the theoretical and practical dimensions of slave labor and its relations with the health field and highlight the role and potential of public health in the enhancing of vigilance practices and health care of workers subjected to these chronic social conditions.

Language: pt