“TEM NA RUA, TEM NA ROÇA”

APPROPRIATION AND 'HABITUS' THROUGH MOBILE PHONES AMONG RURAL FAMILIES IN ERVÁLIA, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL.

Abstract

The article examines the appropriation of mobile phones by rural families in Ervália, Minas Gerais, exploring how habitus and technological capital shape their daily use. The objective was to understand the incorporation of technology within local contexts and practices. Through semi-structured interviews with 27 adults and content analysis, the results highlighted that mobile phones are essential for communication, access to services, and maintaining social bonds. Additionally, their symbolic representation reduced the perceived distance between urban ("rua") and rural ("roça") spaces, integrating these spheres. The appropriation of technology occurred adaptively, without drastic disruptions, aligning with pre-existing rural needs such as agricultural work organization and household management, thereby reinforcing local habitus.