Violência estético capilar: proposta conceitual no âmbito do assédio moral e caminho para sua mitigação em ambientes de trabalho

Abstract

The denial of one’s own identity reflects Brazil’s colonial and slaveholding heritage. This behavior can be characterized by prejudice among individuals, including discrimination due to their hair texture, across various social settings, including workplaces. This study aimed to explore the experiences of women with textured hair and their encounters with violence in workplace environments. It also pursued to develop the concept of “aesthetic-capillary violence” and propose strategies for its mitigation through the creation of “inclusive smart environments”. To address this phenomenon, a scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol, along with focus group discussions. Transcripts from the focus group were analyzed using content analysis, supported by the IRAMUTEQ software. The findings revealed a lack of terminology in the literature to adequately conceptualize acts of verbal and non-verbal violence targeting hair-related aspects. The study confirmed that women with textured hair experience psychological violence in the workplace, both in formal and informal settings. In conclusion, the study validates the following propositions: (i) the concept of aesthetic-capillary violence; (ii) the sub-concept of aesthetic-capillary violence within workplace environments; (iii) the development of a form of social technology, conceptualized in this study as an inclusive smart environment; and (iv) a proposal for a university extension course.