A favela is a scattered settlement in Brazil, which is occupied by rural poor, who escaped their previous living conditions to live where “the movement” is. Favelas are usually located on hills, right beside the cities. These cities are well advanced and modern. Favela communities are built on unused land and are not planned by the city. Although it is not considered part of the city, they play a major role on urban economy, society and polity.
Favela homes are constructed with recycled materials, at first. Then as the residents collect and gain money, they begin to upgrade. They begin by buying blocks and they construct their own stable home. Clean water is very difficult to obtain in these communities.
For this research I took a deep look into Janice Perlman’s study on Favelas.
Favela: four decades of living on the edge in Rio de Janeiro by Janice Perlman.
I used her studies to answer my question. Does Globalization help or hinder socio-spatial inequality? I used her studies to look into the spatial Inequality in Rio De Janeiro between the economic boom cities and its surrounding Favelas.
To make my research more specific, I looked into Nova Brasilia. Nova Brasilia is a Favela in Rio de Janeiro, which has expanded immensely throughout the years. This Favela expanded so much that it connected with other favelas forming one. This is where the problem arises within Favelas. When favelas merge, rival criminal groups fight for respect.
Perlman concentrated on the importance of place, differences in locality and legitimacy in structuring opportunities and constraints for individuals.
Now the favelas are in danger because of the loss of trust, community, unity and freedom of movement. And the "erosion of social capital are the consequences of the new disorder and the inability or unwillingness of the state to provide personal safety and public security in the space of favelas". (Perlman, 2009)
Another amazing source I used to concrete my studies in favelas is an amazing Documentary called "Favela Rising"A film by Jeff Zimbalist and Matt Mochary. This documentary was real and touching. This documentary showed a different side of life in the Favelas that I could never have came across if i was not doing this research.
Favelas are created without the consent of the state or the market, therefore they are seen as a threat to the people of the cities.
Why move closer to the city?
Many people are pulled to the cities, because they want a better life for their children. Those who stayed behind fishing and working the plantations. These people are stuck in the same position, living in a favela is provides a better way of living than staying in the country side.
According to the major international development agencies are accepting that migration is inevitable. Urban growth is impossible to stop since everyone is looking for a greater way of life. Favelas have gained respect because of their upgrade in society.
