Itineraries of immigrant women in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Purpose - This paper presents the results of a field research conducted with five immigrant women in the city of Sao 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 Sao 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 Sao Paulo, in contrast with other researches that tend to focus either on the juridical status or mental health care strategies for immigrants.