A IDOSA E A CONSTRUÇÃO SOCIAL DE GÊNERO: Uma pesquisa participativa em Pelotas, Belo Horizonte e Brasília

In a context of population aging and feminization of old age, the aging process of men differs from that of women. Older women face cumulative disadvantages that hinder citizenship in its fullness. Everyday activities, such as photography, are historically susceptible to gender-related limitations. These constraints may interfere with participatory methodologies based on user perception. Originated in a transnational research on aging in place, this paper analyzes the influence of gender construction on the execution of the methodological procedure photo diary and on environmental perception in three Brazilian cities. Older women showed to be less positive in performing the task than men, pointing out a high critical sense about the process and its results and a feeling of inferiority, incapacity, fear of judgment and insecurity in public space. Thus, the construction of gender image affects social participation and daily activities, changing the perception of urban space and requiring appropriate methodological alternatives.