A "Vila" Progresso como produto da desigualdade socioespacial na cidade de São Luís do Maranhão

Abstract

This article analyzes the neighborhood of the production process of "Vila" Progresso in the context of expansion of urban space in São Luís, Brazil. It is proposed to think of space as a social product that materializes through the action of various social agents. Brings into question that urbanization, built according to the interests of capital, has forced the poor to occupy the areas neglected by the real estate market. The method adopted was the criticaldialectical, because it allows to see the emerging contradictions in the capitalist city between the need of reproduction of capital and the need for the reproduction of society, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Proceeded to through the techniques of bibliographical research, statistics and mapping, as well as documentary and field research. Questionnaire with semi structured questions applied with the residents of the "Vila" It is applied progress and were interviewed key informants. It was concluded that: "Vila" Progresso became mandatory alternative to its inhabitants, unable to purchase their own homes in the best areas of the city of São Luís, due to the selective access to urban land; its landscape reflects economic conditions of the inhabitants; the lack of urban infrastructure and the precarious living conditions are, today, the result of inequality imposed by the development of capitalist production of space, held in São Luís, especially since 1960, by state action that has favored the reproduction of capital and disadvantaged workforce, excluding the right to the city. Living in the "Vila" Progresso has become even more exclusive because of the symbolic production of the name "Vila", as the term is often used pejoratively to define an area characterized by poverty and violence. Given the proposed analysis justifies the assertion that the "Vila" Progresso is a product of socio-spatial inequality in São Luis.