Female Autonomy in Material and Symbolic Contexts Among Women in Situations of Poverty in Brazil

Abstract

This article explores how black women in Brazil navigate intersecting dimensions of race, gender, and socio‐economic status, illustrating the sociocultural factors that shape their daily experiences, with a focus on female autonomy. Drawing on a qualitative design, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 97 women, of whom 77 self‐identified as Black ( preta or parda ). From this broader group, we purposefully selected 10 in‐depth narratives, prioritizing regional and age diversity as well as rich personal accounts. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, informed by critical race and feminist theoretical frameworks, enabling a nuanced examination of how structural inequalities and individual agency converge in participants' lives. Our findings reveal the multifaceted ways in which systemic discrimination, community support networks, and identity negotiations intersect, shedding light on patterns of both constraint and resistance. Analytically, the study develops an interpretive lens that integrates personal narratives with broader socio‐political contexts, offering new insights into how individuals mobilize strategies of resistance and empowerment. This work underscores the importance of recognizing the agency and collective strength of black women in contemporary Brazil.