This work concerns the process of identity formation of adolescents, considering their relationship with their significant others. The study was based on sociological social psychology. We adopted a qualitative methodology, conducting in-depth interviews with 20 adolescents living in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. These subjects were selected, considering socio-economic status, gender and the presence of work in the life of the adolescent. It was possible to discuss the issue of work in adolescence from the data on socioeconomic status, which had marked differences in the constitution of the self among those from middle class and those from economically disadvantaged classes.
identity; adolescence; work; class; gender
