Social Representations of Care: a Comparative Study Between Mothers and Fathers of People with Autism in Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the Social Representations of care between mothers and fathers of people with autism in Brazil, aiming to understand how gender influences the perception and practice of care. Theoretical Framework: It is based on the Social Representations Theory to understand how individuals construct and share meanings about care. Gender studies contribute to analyzing differences in the attribution of caregiving responsibilities between mothers and fathers. Method: This is a qualitative and comparative study. Participants included mothers and fathers of autistic individuals in Brazil. Data collection was carried out through a sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview with the guiding question: "What do you understand by care?" Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that mothers and fathers perceive care as being permeated by affection, love, and patience. However, mothers are the main caregivers, leading to career abandonment, overload, and stress. These findings highlight gender inequality in caregiving roles, discussed in light of social and cultural factors reinforcing this reality. Research Implications: This study emphasizes the need for greater paternal involvement in care and the importance of addressing gender inequalities. The implications extend to social policies, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by exploring the intersection of Social Representations, caregiving, and gender roles in the context of autism. By highlighting the challenges faced by mothers and the necessity of increased paternal engagement, the research offers valuable insights for both academic discussions and practical interventions in family and social support systems.