Produção do espaço e os conteúdos da periferia: estudo sobre as desigualdades socioespaciais em Ituiutaba-MG

Abstract

Over the past few decades, many Brazilian cities have undergone numerous transformations in response to the intensification of urbanization, leading to an increase in urban problems. Territorial expansion and changes in the nature of peripheral areas have deepened socio-spatial inequalities. This scenario characterizes various cities, regardless of their size and the local and regional context in which they are situated. In this context, the general objective of this work is to understand socio-spatial inequalities in the city of Ituiutaba-MG, with a focus on the production of the urban periphery and its characteristics. To this end, the following specific objectives were considered: (a) to identify the main areas of the city that contribute to the research theme through socioeconomic indicators; (b) based on the results, to provide input for the creation of public policies aimed at mitigating inequalities; and (c) to contribute to larger collective research projects. To achieve this, the following methodological procedures were undertaken: (1) bibliographic research; (2) analysis of Census data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) on income, population, and literacy at the census tract level; (3) creation of cartographic products using the data collected with QGIS software; and (4) analysis of the content produced. In Ituiutaba, considering the changes over recent years, the transformations related to the city's territorial expansion and the nature of the periphery are evident, with repercussions such as the deepening of socio-spatial inequalities. The periphery of large metropolises is complex and evolves as the city expands. In medium-sized cities, it is no different; we observe high-standard closed residential areas and popular housing complexes in stark contrast within the landscape. Thus, we can understand how socio-spatial inequalities and the nature of peripheral areas manifest in the city. This situation presents challenges for scientific research aimed at studying and diagnosing Brazilian cities, including supporting the proposal of public policies and addressing urban problems.