Inequality and socio-spatial segregation in Fortaleza, Brazil

an analysis from the Praia do Futuro

Abstract

Despite the ongoing social inclusion in Brazil in the XXI century, inequalities persist and complex and severe socio-spatial segregation in Brazilian cities. So it is important to characterize and explain these inequalities and socio-spatial segregation, generating conceptual and empirical references considering the genesis and evolution of territorial structural city analyzed. This is done here through the case of Fortaleza, Brazil, focusing on the Praia do Futuro region. Are compared themselves socioeconomic data spatially located in the city and then eleven districts of the Future Beach. Are used official and direct observation. It follows that the region of Praia do Futuro is where the greatest inequalities and severe socio-spatial segregation of the city. The territorial structure of Fortaleza shows an arc of popular and precarious occupation and a sector occupied by owners elites and wealthy middle segments. However, the results also indicate how the city urban space is much more complex and multifaceted in its settings and its dynamics, paradoxes and territorial tensions in various intra-urban scales.