Travessias e Raízes - Identidades, Andanças e Conflitos na Narrativa de uma Família Paraguaia no Brasil

Abstract

This research investigated how the refugee experience and the post-Civil War conflicts of 1947 in Paraguay influenced the formation of descendants of a Paraguayan family that migrated to Brazil. Through the analysis of personal narratives, it revealed how these experiences shaped the perceptions of belonging and identity of the descendants, residents in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, even without Paraguayan traditions. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of migratory dynamics and their impacts on the formation of the contemporary subject and cultural identity. For this, authors from the field of Cultural Studies such as Stuart Hall, Homi Bhabha, Aimeé Bolaños, among others, were used. The research adopted a qualitative approach, using Oral History and Autoethnography methodology, offering an approach to the experiences of the research subject and her family, affected by forced displacements and traumas of armed conflicts. Oral History records narratives authentically, while Autoethnography allows for a deep reflection on the impact of these events. Based on authors like Meihy and Portelli, the study acquires a solid theoretical basis. Meihy provides guidelines for collecting and analyzing reports, while Portelli highlights the importance of social and historical context. The main data collection technique was sensitive listening, and the analysis allowed for the investigation of the research subject's personal history, addressing the journey of her family that migrated from Paraguay to Brazil, facing challenges and changes along the way. Issues such as identity, resilience, and adaptation are highlighted, evidencing the importance of education, work, and family relationships in the construction of individual and collective experiences. The narratives reveal intersections between gender, power, and migration, as well as the emotional impact of past experiences on the formation of identities. The search for security, opportunities, and belonging is a common thread throughout the story, reflecting the complexities of migratory experiences and their cultural and social implications. This context is vital for cultural studies, as it offers a rich and multifaceted view of individual experiences in diverse sociocultural contexts. Understanding the historical traumas faced sheds light on fundamental issues related to the formation of cultural and individual identity in postmodern societies. This analysis enriches the field of cultural studies by providing meaningful insights into how personal narratives intertwine with collective narratives, how individuals construct their identity amidst historical challenges, and how experiences of displacement and adaptation affect their perception of themselves and their cultural origins. Therefore, the research not only expands our knowledge about the subject under study but also contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural and social dynamics in general. Keywords: Culture, diaspora, family, Identity, Cultural Identity, Memory, Narratives.