Socioeconomic Biases: Analysis of Popular Perception About Sanitary Sewage Services in Pernambuco

Abstract

Purpose: This article aimed to know the popular knowledge about sanitary sewage in relation to the socioeconomic profile of the participants.   Theoretical framework: Corresponds to searches in scientific literature, legislation and standards and technical data on social research and basic sanitation.   Method/design/approach: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the survey was carried out virtually, with the sharing of an electronic questionnaire via email and WhatsApp messages. The survey responses were crossed with the qualifications of the participants according to the parameters of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The data were confronted with regulations and existing scientific research on the subject.   Results and conclusion: The responses of 251 participants were considered. Although only nine had academic training up to Elementary School, these being residents of low-income neighbourhoods, it was observed that this was the group that most deals with the problems arising from the lack of basic sanitation, more specifically sanitary sewage. With this, it was possible to point out the populations of the poorest communities as the public most affected by the problems caused by the lack of a sanitary sewage system. Finally, resolving strategies were formulated for the problems now identified.   Research implications: It mainly contributes with regard to the proposition of strategic initiatives to solve problems arising from the malfunction and/or use of basic sanitation services.   Originality/value: It mainly contributes with regard to the proposition of strategic initiatives to solve problems arising from the malfunction and/or use of basic sanitation services.