Intolerância religiosa no mercado de trabalho: um estudo de caso sobre a Umbanda

Abstract

Religious intolerance against Umbanda practitioners in the workplace is a reality. This violence is connected to the relationship that religion has with the culture and beliefs inherited from black Africans, enslaved in Brazil. Knowing that everyone has the right to work with dignity and without discrimination, this study aimed to understand the perception of Umbanda practitioners regarding religious intolerance in the workplace. This is a descriptive study, conducted from a sample of Umbanda practitioners from Belo Horizonte. A virtual questionnaire developed by the researcher, via Google Forms, was used as a data collection instrument. In total, 68 Umbanda practitioners participated in the survey. The results of this study corroborate the national census by showing that, in Belo Horizonte, most Umbanda practitioners declared themselves to be white (35%). The education level among Umbanda practitioners is also high, as 65% have technical or higher education. Most respondents (65%) believe that the rejection of any religion of African origin is a form of racism. And, from the total number of respondents, 56 (82.3%) have already suffered some type of violence regarding their religion. It is through work that human beings fulfill themselves and make a living. Nevertheless, situations of conflict in the work environment could cause lack of interest, loss of productivity, and even illness amongst workers. Within this scenario, social workers represent important actors in the mediation of interpersonal problems and the promotion of social justice. This research provided voice to Umbanda workers and, thus, pointed out the importance of an organizational culture that values respect for diversity.