THE INTERRELATION OF THE KEY MEMBERS OF THE BUTIA PALM GROVES NETWORK WITH THE BUTIÁ

Abstract

This study aimed to get to know the key members of the Butia Palm Groves Network and their interrelation with the butiá. Qualitative research, with a descriptive approach, with data collection from March to April / 2020. Twenty key members of the Butia Palm Groves Network participated in the study. Interviews composed of 12 semi-structured questions were applied face-to-face to nine people (recorded and transcribed by the researcher) and via e-mail to 11 people (due to the social distance imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic). Thematic content analysis by Laurence Bardin and the theoretical framework of Serge Moscovici's Theory of Social Representations were used. From the analysis of the interviews, four thematic categories were selected: Life history with butiá; Memories related to butiá; Open and eat butiá nuts; Cachaça with butiá. The study provided the knowledge of some interrelationships between the key members of the Butia Palm Groves Network with the butiá, it was understood that they are prior to the formation of this network. The participants' reports demonstrate childhood memories, games, personal and family memories, which are reflected in customs, and are social representations brought up to the present moment.