The aim of this study is to analyze the way male teenager workers experience their entrance into the labor market, the meanings they give to the activities performed in this sphere, and the role of these elements in the construction of their identities. The data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with ten teenagers at the age band between 16 and 18 years old, of low-income classes of Ribeirão Preto-SP, and currently attending High School. The data analysis focused on the identity construction as a psychological process, but also related to the social context. The worker identity presented, among the subjects, a greater importance if compared to other social identities, and it was associated with the conquering of a greater maturity and autonomy. Therefore, the establishment of this identity played an important role in structuring representations and practices also in spheres such as family and school.
Male teenagers; work; identity