Sexualidade, gênero e adolescência: o cuidado de si por meio de um jogo online.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexuality in adolescence comprises a stage in life marked by ruptures, resignifications of the body and social roles. Such changes are accompanied by experimentation and the exercise of autonomy. The performance of the adolescent in proposing self-care strategies and in decision-making has a positive influence for the improvement of relationships with him and for his social and emotional development. Based on this premise and the lack of spaces that promote dialogue about sexuality and gender relations in a free, inventive and autonomous way, the online game Papo Reto was created for teenagers. Through problem situations, the game simulates realities and enables interaction between peers, without the intervention of adults and without ties to crystallized concepts. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the care strategies proposed by adolescents, based on their interactions in the Papo Reto online game, in the light of the Foucaultian theory of self-care. Method: Study of a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach, with content analysis of the narratives of adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, from public schools in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Sabará (Minas Gerais). The problem situations with the highest level of interaction were raised, extracting four categories of analysis: conflict and violence in intimate relationships; abusive relationships perpetrated by third parties; relationship with the body; and exercise of sexuality. Results: In the first category, it was found that the care strategies were individualized and restricted to the couple. The self-government revealed in the adolescents' propositions, speeches and arguments was very present, leading to strategies such as talking to the partner, controlling aggression, breaking up and calling the police. The second category presented care strategies strongly aimed at publicizing situations of violence, in line with the concept of governmentality, such as asking for help from third parties, reporting to the police and controlling the bodies, especially those of the girls. In the third category, care strategies were directed towards decision-making about the body itself, in addition to control and discipline strategies over bodies, representing biopower. The last category revealed care strategies aimed at resisting spaces of subjection, discipline and body control. The strategies governed by biopower was also present, with the reproduction of normative and disciplinary discourses through the disapproval of homosexuality and the valorization of male virility. Final Considerations: This study revealed the adolescents' capacity for autonomous decision making, criticality, argumentation and definition of strategies in order to protect themselves, take care of themselves and establish their way of being in the world. The reproduction of inequalities between genders also stands out as a precondition for the establishment of divergent care strategies for boys and girls. There is an unequivocal need for the implementation of public policies in this area, greater government openness and school, as well as family participation to be put into practice in a broad, democratic manner and within the principles of autonomy, citizenship and sexual and reproductive rights of the adolescent.