Abelhas rainhas: um estudo sobre a apicultura com mulheres rurais no norte de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The Spaniard Luis Méndez Torres’ work entitled "Tratado breve de la cultivación y cura de las colmenas", first published in 1586, is regarded as a milestone for modern beekeeping studies for stating that the largest bee in a hive is the queen bee, the one responsible for egg laying, the mother of the bees. Biologically, the queen bee is responsible for the maintenance of the hive’s social structure, thus, it’s operation. The present work deals with the role of women in organizations, more specifically in the community construction of organized beekeeping groups in northern Minas Gerais. The object used in this research is the Guaraciama Beekeepers Association – APIGUAR. The methodology used in this research is based on the conjunction of empiric and exploratory tools such questionnaires, interviews and group discussion, all of which, due to the conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, were carried out through social interaction applications respecting social distancing. The results reveal that men and women have different perceptions and objectives regarding their participation in the group. While men understand the group as an instrument of economic and productive insertion, women tend to prioritize the bonds of friendship and fraternity built over time. The studies will also suggest that the growth of female participation in such activities may contribute to the concentration of different kinds of share capital which are essential in the operationalization of poverty reduction and local development policies.