Neoliberalism and mental suffering among public education servants

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the repercussions of the neoliberal system on the work dynamics and health of teachers and administrative technicians working at a Federal Education Institute. This is a cross-sectional study which objective was to identify psychosocial risks in the work environment. Data were collected through an official report of licenses for health treatment due to Mental and Behavioral Disorders (CMD); sociodemographic questionnaire and the Health Safety Executive Indicator Tool (HSE-IT) instrument. The results showed that the labor dynamics imposed by neoliberalism affect the relationship between mental health and the work of public servants, resulting in the intensification of work and forms of organization and management, with the aggravating scenario of instability and insecurity in public education. The most affected actors are women and the technical-administrative professional category, replicating the social constructions imposed by this system. It was possible to identify and analyze the macrosocial aspects that impact the microcontext of work and that can have an impact on workers' mental health.