Políticas públicas e o trabalho do cuidado invisível: quem ampara às mulheres que cuidam?

Abstract

To analyze, from the perspective of women working on the front line of public policies aimed at assisting other women, how the organizational and institutional structures of Public Administration influence their working conditions, care, and support. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight female public servants from the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches who work in policies related to women’s reception, protection, and assistance. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, following Braun and Clarke (2006, 2021). Main Findings: The findings show that these professionals experience emotional overload, physical exhaustion, and institutional invisibility. The themes identified—Mission as a Burden, The Warrior Woman’s Labyrinth, and Cornered Care—reveal that care for caregivers themselves is insufficient, fragmented, and predominantly reactive. Relevance and Originality: The study highlights the contradictions between the care provided by the State and the lack of institutional mechanisms to protect caregivers, contributing to the field of Public Administration. Theoretical and Methodological Contributions: The research integrates discussions on gender, care, emotional labor, and street-level bureaucracy, expanding the understanding of gender inequalities within public organizations. Methodologically, it demonstrates the potential of Reflexive Thematic Analysis to investigate subjective experiences in contexts of high emotional demand. Social and Managerial Contributions: The study reinforces the need to institutionalize care policies for female public servants responsible for implementing policies for women and proposes guidelines for a technical product focused on psychological support, prevention of occupational illness, professional recognition, and strengthening institutional support.