Socialization experiences of young people affected by the Fundão Dam collapse (Mariana, Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Abstract

On November 5, 2015, the collapse of the Fundão Dam, operated by Samarco Mineração and its controlling companies, Vale and BHP, in Mariana, Minas Gerais, marked the beginning of a disaster that is unprecedented in Brazilian history. In this article, we analyze how the socialization processes of young people from the subdistricts of Bento Rodrigues, Paracatu de Baixo and Camargos who were enrolled in high school in Mariana-MG and Ouro Preto-MG, were affected. Theoretically, the study was based on the Sociology of Education, the Sociology of Youth and the Sociology of Disasters. The research was conducted through bibliographic and documentary analysis and fieldwork, based on 12 interviews interpreted with configuration profiles. It was found that the bonds of friendship that the interviewees maintained in their home territories were weakened. After reaching youth and entering high school, they created new bonds, accessed digital social networks more, began to plan their futures and their families continued to be an important base. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their social ties, increased digital interactions and worsened their mental health. They had to deal with prejudice and stigmatization. To protect themselves, many isolated themselves and did not tell anyone that they were affected. The results of the research demonstrated that the socializing experiences of these young people were occurring in a complex and traumatic context that negatively impacted their ways of being and existing in the world.