Voices of Crater: socio-environmental representations and practices in the urban scenario

Author(s)

Cassia Maria Carraco Palos

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2004-12-17

Examining board members

Fabíola Zioni; Ladislau Dowbor; Arlindo Philippi Júnior; Eda Terezinha de Oliveira Tassara

• Advisor: Fabíola Zioni

Abstract

Since the beginning of this century the environmental controversy has been globally strengthen. Facing the big urban centers\' environmental problems is a challenge for the politicians as well as for the civil society groups and organizations. Innovative forms to manage environmental problems have appeared from civil society movements, also called civilian associations, community organizations and social movements. The inspiration for this work is around the dialog between the environment sociology and other sciences. Its main objective was to comprehend and analyze, taking into account the representations and practices of men and women inhabitants of the Cratera da Colônia environmental preservation area, environmental problems within an area known as a Condomínio Vargem Grande, an illegal urban occupation located in the Parelheiros\' sub-district in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The methodological approach used in this study was qualitative and five different stages were necessary to assure the depth and the quality of the analysis: a) ethnographic observation and photographic expeditions; b) individual open interviews carried out with residents\' women and men; c) focus groups with residents\' women and men; d) gathering of secondary data; e) thematic analyze and data triangulation. Results showed that the process of abrupt occupation in the region took place between 1980 and 1990, during the most vital period of environmental legislation creation. This process took place in connivance with the established public power in spite of the strong opposed movements to the occupation of the regions. Related to the environmental education actions that have been taking place in the area, this work shows a number of fragilities including theoretical approaches and actions, allowing a massive lack of community participation. Regarding the way community faces environmental problems in the area, it is remarkable to observe that community has showed that is possible to build a sustainable and healthier environment with better quality of life, basing their actions in solidarity, and effective participation in the discussion and implementation of environmental politics, especially water management. The community organization called ACHAVE has brought creative and provocative issues considering relevant themes that can contribute to better understand the social-environmental crises. (AU)