Itineraries of immigrant women in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents the results of a field research conducted with five immigrant women in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this paper is to show the itineraries they used in order to build a new life as foreigners in the city.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnography study was undertaken during one year (May/2010 to May/2011) mapping the itineraries made by them in the city and their correspondent narratives.

Findings

Foreign women did not have difficulties to access health care structures in São Paulo, since the health care system is universal in Brazil; they found many more opportunities of social care and assistance in the multiplicity of the city, rather than in the self-proclaimed institutions that exists especially for foreigners. Their different juridical categories did not impact much in their routine activities in the city.

Practical implications

This research may impact the activities of institutions that offer assistance to immigrants.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique map of itineraries of foreign undesirable immigrant women in São Paulo, in contrast with other researches that tend to focus either on the juridical status or mental health care strategies for immigrants.

Citation

Cecilia Andrade de Moraes Weintraub, A. and da Penha Costa Vasconcellos, M. (2013), "Itineraries of immigrant women in São Paulo, Brazil", International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 203-212. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-06-2013-0011