"Nem anjos, nem demônios..." adolescentes autores de homicídio: contexto do delito e representações sociais sobre a vida humana

Abstract

Largely due to its complexity and scientific relevance, violence has been the aim of various studies in contemporary time. Literature points out adolescents have been more victims than authors of homicides. Nonetheless, it appears Brazilian society’s attention is mainly drawn to their participation as authors of such infractions. The aim of this study was to learn, from the authors´ point of view, social representations of human life and the circumstances in which homicides have occurred. Interviews were conducted with 16 adolescents committed to UNIS – a socio-educational internment unity located in Cariacica, ES – about the following topics: socio-demographic data; previous everyday life; meanings of internment; homicide circumstances; social representations of human life; meanings related to the victim’s death; thoughts about what they would do differently if it were possible to go back in time; future prospects and hopes. At the end of each interview, an opportunity was given to them for free expression of additional content. Results showed that homicide circumstances are generally characterized by: occurrence in public places; presence of accomplices; known victims; firearm use and non drug use. Death threat by the victim, honor defense, breaking of rules established among criminal groups and contractual murder were some of the alleged motivations. On that occasion, the majority was living with either or both parents, as well as have already attended school and worked. For most of the subjects, it was their first infraction. The assessment made of the internment period is mostly negative. Half of them expressed sorrow for having murdered. If it were possible to go back in time, a greater part would avoid it or would change the course of their lives. Concerning future prospects and hopes, they mainly wish for a job and a family, but also fear for their lives. The analysis of social representations revealed positive evaluations of family members´ lives (mother, father, siblings) and negative evaluations of rapists, politicians, policemen and homosexuals´ lives. For the majority of subjects, the homicide was a contextual occurrence in the course of their lives, regarding the fact that there were no prior infractions. It was an act perpetrated in order to deal with serious conflicts, such as life threatening situations, which they do not intent to repeat.