Perception of Decent Work and the Future Among Low Educated Youths in Brazil and Portugal

Brazil and Portugal have different working contexts. In Brazil, mixed formal and informal ways dominate, while in Portugal, formal working contexts prevail. By means of in-depth interviews, this study sought to understand and compare the perception of decent work and future among 32 low-qualified emerging adults in Brazil and Portugal. The data from participants’ interviews were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research. Findings showed that Portuguese participants sought the International Labour Organization’s features for a decent work associated with fair income, social integration, self-realization at work, and family support, while the Brazilian sample had searched for better living conditions, respect, social recognition, and social protection. Thus, in contexts of greater vulnerability, the participants do not perceive their work as a source for self-determination and social recognition. This is a key point for understanding identity construction and life narratives of emerging adults in vulnerable working situations.