CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE LONGEVITY OF A GROUP OF MOTHERS IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

In this article we discuss some dimensions of group participation that enabled its permanency in time. For this purpose, we analysed the trajectory of a group of mothers to understand (1) the reasons for the longevity of this group, active since the 1970's; (2) the importance of the mobilization of women for the improvement of quality of life. The research was conducted within the framework of critical social psychology concerned with discursive practices. The procedures involved a review of the bibliography concerning the role of the Base Ecclesial Communities in the organization of social movements, including groups of mothers, in the 1970's. This was followed by a case study of a group of mothers using observations of meetings and interviews with some of its members. It was possible to demonstrate how the group experience enabled it to carry on as a space for support and learning of skills committed with social transformation.