A socio-psychodramatic perspective of the concept of beauty in black families

Abstract

This article presents the results of an research about beauty conceptions that integrate the identity of two black families of Minas Gerais: a Quilombola (matriarchal) and a catholic brotherhood (patriarchal). Leaving of the presupposition that the beauty conception links with the collective identity, it were investigated the historical, cultural and identity aspects which influenced the beauty conceptions of the members of the two families, reasoned in the Moreno's concepts of Psychodrama and Ethnicdrama, as well as in philosophical and cultural-feminist studies regarding beauty and corporeity. An actionresearch was conducted through interviews, observing the participants and Sociodramatic interventions – the ethnic drama – with both families. The results revealed common aspects – ethical patterns of dignity in the relationships – and differentiated in the two family types. The family of the catholic brotherhood, centered on the patriarchal authority, revealed an emphasis on "inner beauty" and interpersonal aspects as harmony, union, acceptance and patience in the family and social relationships. In Quilombola`s family, centered on matriarchal authority, the beauty was "uttered" in the color of the skin and in the women's learning of some modes to feel prettier, rooted in the care strength and in the matriarchal love. This research, when retakes Moreno analysis of the social and racial problems, it can contribute to anthropological studies in Psychodrama.