Pequenas cidades da microrregião geográfica de Catalão (GO): análises de seus conteúdos e considerações teórico-metodológicas

Abstract

Small cities are the theme of this research. Specifically this paper is about the cities of Anhanguera, Campo Alegre de Goiás, Corumbaíba, Cumari, Divinopolis, Goiandira, Ipameri, Nova Aurora, Ouvidor and Três Ranchos which are situated in the South East of the state of Goiás and are part to understand the special of the micro geographical region of Catalão, Goiás. The objective of this research is formation, more specifically the formation, dynamics and socio economic significance and spaces in small cities of the geographic micro region of Catalão. This study also aims at systemizing an idea of small cities from the point of view of elements observed in the socio space context of the area under observation and from the geographic science point of view. Bibliographic research and reading were the instruments used as methodology; data collecting, systemizing and analysis of primary and secondary data along with observation on pre-established itineraries. This thesis is presented in five chapters. In the first chapter the process of formation of the municipalities of the micro region of Catalão is discussed emphasizing the territorial dynamics, the process of the socio economic formation and the socio space and socio economic aspects of the area during the decade of the 1950s. The second chapter deals with the socio economic and spatial dynamics of the micro region of Catalão. In the third chapter there is a study of small cities analyzing the socio economic context of the cities at present. In the fourth chapter there is an analysis of the spatial organization of small cities in the Catalão area, their qualities, problems and principal day to day contents. Finally, in the fifth chapter were considered aspects of small cities keeping in mind conceptual aspects covered by this theme. Moreover, based on the research carried out, is presented the geographic significance of small cities in the micro region of Catalão, a notion of small cities and theoretical methodological perspectives for their research. In conclusion, among other aspects, the small cities studied present particularities which are influenced by the insertion or non insertion of each municipality in the economic modernization process which occurred in the region and in relation to modern types of activities developed by them; they present good life quality; population aging; fragile urban economy; frequent association with other urban centers; intense relations with rural areas; and space functions like residences, commerce, services and leisure are mixed, with no specific areas or segregated areas; lack of employment is the main problem in most of the cities studied; City Hall is essential on people life; relationship among people are quite personnel; tranquility is the predominant characteristic.