Extremely hierarchical friendships: rights and emotions in relations be-tween housekeepers and female bosses

Abstract

In this article I used the direct observation method, in order to un-derstand the discourse on emotions and paid domestic work in Niteroi, particu-larly with attention to the role of the judiciary in the administration of disputesbetween employers and domestic workers. The fieldwork includes observation of37 audiences and interviews. In addition to the interrelations between fact andnorm, it was explored the issue of return-gift in that particular type of contract.Finally, the field has brought up gender issues. It is intended, thus, to providea comprehensive understanding of the rhetoric of emotions that kind of rela-tionship in the city of Niteroi.