The social construction of research on mineral waters: an investigation in the context of the water circuit of Minas Gerais

Abstract

This work aims to understand the social construction of research on the theme of mineral waters in the Mineral Water Circuit of Minas Gerais, using the perspective of social constructionism, mainly from the contributions of Mary Jane Spink. This work seeks to analyze the relationship between research activity and the construction of reality and, thus, understand how the mineral water object becomes a matter of interest to researchers, showing how research on mineral waters is being carried out. The qualitative research data collection was carried out through observation and semi-structured interviews. The study also reveals that the “object” water is socially constructed, identifying in the discourse and practices of the researchers, concepts and understandings of mineral water present in their studies, but which were perceived and developed during the empirical work. It is concluded that social interaction and dialogue between researchers, and between researchers and local communities were fundamental elements for the (social) construction of research on mineral waters in the Minas Gerais State Water Circuit..

Keywords

• questão hídrica
• pesquisa científica
• gestão social.