TIPOS DE SANÇÃO ESCOLHIDOS POR ADOLESCENTES QUE CUIDAM E EDUCAM SEUS IRMÃOS MENORES

Abstract

In some families, the older siblings are in charge of caring, protecting and educating the young, taking on tasks that are usually carried out by the parents. Penalizing actions and punishing is thus something that is a part of their lives. The goal of this study was to investigate the types of sanction chosen by low-SES adolescents who regularly care for their siblings. We interviewed, individually, 16 12- to 16-year-old adolescents, of both sexes, regarding three stories featuring retributive justice. The data underwent content analysis, from which categories were constructed by considering: (a) the content of the sanctions prescribed, (b) the justifications given by participants and (c) the types of sanction: expiatory or involving reciprocity. The majority of participants preferred punishments involving reciprocity, although some also thought that expiation is a good way to correct someone who did something wrong. We observed a greater disbelief in the efficacy of punishment than a belief in dialog. These results reinforce the idea that a preference for either expiatory sanctions or for reciprocity varies not only by age but also by the child-rearing practices valued in the contexts in which the individuals are situated. Considering that these adolescents participate actively in their siblings’ education, it would be important to encourage them to reflect on their educative role. We expect that these findings may help researchers and professionals to understand the implication of these adolescents as educators of their younger siblings.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14572/nuances.v23i24.1892