Scientific Representation of the Favelas: a critical analysis of CEFAVELA's work on social networks

• Grant number: 25/02414-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Communications - Journalism and Publishing
• Principal Investigator: Vanessa Elias de Oliveira
• Grantee: Sarah Oliveira Fernandes
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Grupo de Usuários Wikimedia no Brasil, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/12259-8 - Center for Favela Studies (CEFAVELA)., AP.CEPID

Abstract

The research project "Scientific Representation of Favelas: a critical analysis of CEFAVELA's performance on social networks" aims to investigate how the Center for Favela Studies (CEFAVELA), linked to the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), uses its digital platforms to communicate science and promote its research on and for favelas. The study seeks to understand how the scientific narratives of the research center are constructed and disseminated on social networks, assessing their ability to engage peripheral audiences and break stereotypes about favelas. The research will involve mapping the target audience of CEFAVELA's social networks (especially Instagram and Youtube), analyzing content published on the platforms and observing engagement metrics. Based on the results, the study intends to propose guidelines for improving CEFAVELA's scientific communication, promoting greater accessibility, inclusion and impact of the research carried out. This project contributes to strengthening favelas as legitimate spaces for the production of knowledge and to increasing the visibility of science produced in, for and by the peripheries of large cities.