(Im)mobility in Brazilian cities: macro trends and innovative experiences (original) (raw)

This paper presents two Brazilian macro trends, which are specifically described and analysed in the context of the growth of cities and the mobility (and immobility) issues theypresent. The words mobility and immobility here are considered both in physical terms (ex. the possibility or not to move, using the existing transportation systems), but also in broader terms (ex. the possibility or not to move among different cultural groups or communities, overcoming barriers among specific areas in the city). The urban immobility is increasing in Brazil, which brings challenges to the transportation systems and the environment. In this article, this physical (im)mobility is considered to be directly related to the non-physical (im)mobility, which is related to the possibility to transit between spaces and experiences that create new spaces of interaction, able to integrate the "broken" city. The interrelations of the physical and the non-physical mobility are exemplified in Brazil by the favelas (slums). The localization and characteristics of each favela in the city is related (also) to the in broader terms (ex. the possibility or not to move among different cultural groups or communities, overcoming barriers among specific areas in the city). The urban immobility is increasing in Brazil, which brings challenges to the transportation systems and the environment. In this article, this physical (im)mobility is considered to be directly related to the non-physical (im)mobility, which is related to the possibility to transit between spaces and experiences that create new spaces of interaction, able to integrate the "broken" city. The interrelations of the physical and the non-physical mobility are exemplified in Brazil by the favelas (slums). The localization and characteristics of each favela in the city is related (also) to the transportation issues (physical mobility), and the possibility or not for its inhabitants and their local communities to be integrated to the other parts of the city (non-phisical mobility). Both issues have been a continuous challenge for policy makers (FLEURY, 2012), community leaders and other actors (VENTURA, 1994; SILVA & ANSEL, 2012; NORONHA, 2013). Considering this overall framework, the article presents two macro trends analysed in terms of the questions related to the physical and non-physical (im)mobility in the Brazilian context. For each trend is included the description and analysis of related bottom-up and top-down initiatives. The first macro trend is called reversal of the demographic pyramid, described in terms of the growing number of elderly in Brazil and the characteristics of youth action today. The description of this trend and its challenges includes the presentation of initiatives which are focused on the elderly and young people, or organized by them. For the elderly, it presents for example the description and analysis of the public policy called “Estatuto do Idoso”, in which a registration card allows citizens over 65 to use all the public transportation system for free. Another initiative is called "Norte Comum" (Common North) and consists of a collective of young people living in north zone of Rio de Janeiro (the poorest part of the city) without access to public culture equipment (mainly located in the richer areas, far away), who occupied a semi-disabled public psychiatric hospital. The second macro trend is called social cohesion and slums. Highlighted cases include the public security policy in the State of Rio de Janeiro called UPP (Pacifying Police Unit) which aims to occupy the favelas formerly controlled by the drug dealers. Other initiative is called FLUPP (Literary Feast of Peripheries) which brings together young writers from the periphery, introducing them to publishers and well-recognized authors. The cases are described and analysed in relation to its contribution to the concept of game-changers and transformative social innovation.