Paper short abstract:

We present the dynamics of the lives of young people in situations of sexual exploitation in Manaus, Amazonas, presenting the network of sexual exploitation in which these girls are inserted, discussing gender, heteronormativity and feminine ideals.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents research on sexual exploitation of adolescents in the Amazon. We analyzed this complex phenomenon based on two social networks that operated in the lives of girls in situations of sexual exploitation. One of them, known as a protection network, where professionals linked to the state and NGOs worked to remove these girls from situations of sexual exploitation. The other exploitation network, called by them the “rede do babado” presented itself as a crucial native category for understanding the sexual exploitation of young people. We emphasize the description of the " rede do babado" in this text, since this is the "exploitation network", and offers an in-depth analysis of the "solidarity" networks present in the logics related to sexual exploitation in the Amazon region. Using an ethnographic exercise, we seek to highlight the importance of adopting the perspectives of adolescents to name and understand this network, contributing to a broadening of perspective on the topic. Additionally, explores gender theories considering the place of adolescents, conducting a critical analysis of the heteronormative representations that shape feminine ideals. This research highlights the relevance of apprehending the "rede do babado" as an intrinsic native category, thus enriching our understanding of the complexity of adolescent sexual exploitation in the Amazon, through an anthropological lens. By fostering a culturally contextualized understanding, this study seeks not only to expand academic knowledge, but also to problematize the topic with a more sensitive approach that can get closer to the reality of young women.