Reordenamento territorial no subúrbio da Vila da Penha

Abstract

This work presents an investigation of new spatialities that result from the territorial reordering process on the outskirts of the city of Rio de Janeiro, particularly the case of Vila da Penha, as well as their impact on social relations. This process takes concrete shape within the investment scope of many companies that are included in a worldwide network of production, consuming and circulation of new and modern goods and services. It is neither a unique development, nor is it exclusive of Vila da Penha, but there it becomes more visible due to the fact of being set in a typical suburban neighborhood. Each historical period generates its own territorial configurations as a result of its social practices. Such configurations are either inductive of or derived from the social relations. Therefore, the territorial (re)ordering consists of changes that become established as social space-time. The territorial reordering focused in this study has set favorable conditions to intensify a new phase of capital accumulation. This phase should not be understood as a mere instrument for space usage rationalization, and neither does it not have a esthetic objectives only. It must be regarded as a profound capitalist order intervention, which guides the creation of new shapes and meanings in the suburb of Rio de Janeiro, in what amounts to a new way of exercising citizenship by means of the market.