Value and Valorisation of Space: Notes for a Debate on Critical Geography

Author(s)

Costa, Bruno Moreira Riani

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ANTIPODE; v. 56, n. 5, p. 19-pg., 2024-04-04.

Abstract

This article delves into the concept of valorisation of space, a prominent notion in Marxist geographical literature in Brazil. We critically examine this concept-stemming from a theoretical approach introduced in the 1980s during the critical renewal of Brazilian geography-by juxtaposing it with contributions from the Marxist value-form tradition. This comparison reveals certain operational limits in the concept of valorisation of space. Nevertheless, these limitations can be overcome by more precisely defining it as a subset of practices within the broader context of space production: it can be conceptualised as a specific type of space production, occurring when space itself becomes the subject of valorisation. Furthermore, we explore the potentialities of the concept, showcasing its operationalisation through concrete examples of dynamics within the Brazilian territory. O presente artigo trata sobre o conceito de valorizacao do espaco, bastante disseminado na literatura geografica marxista no Brasil. Analisamos criticamente este conceito-elaborado de maneira original na decada de 1980 no ambito da renovacao critica da geografia brasileira-atraves de seu confronto com contribuicoes da tradicao marxista que enfatiza o valor como forma social. Este confronto de duas abordagens revela certos limites operacionais da concepcao de valorizacao do espaco. Nao obstante, julgamos que estas limitacoes podem ser superadas atraves de sua definicao mais precisa como um subconjunto de praticas componentes do que se entende por producao do espaco. Assim, pode ser entendido como um tipo especifico de producao do espaco, que ocorre quanto o espaco, ele mesmo, torna-se o objeto do processo de valorizacao. Dentro deste quadro, exploramos algumas das potencialidades deste conceito, ilustrando sua possivel operacionalizacao atraves de exemplos concretos de dinamicas do territorio brasileiro. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03409-6 - Infrastructure and valorization of space: new uses of territory under the financialization
• Grantee: Bruno Moreira Riani Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• FAPESP's process: 23/06942-0 - The advance of financial funds over infrastructure-type geographical objects concessions: new uses of territory aligned with financialization
• Grantee: Bruno Moreira Riani Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/05752-7 - The participation of institutional investors in São Paulo state territorial infrastructure concessions: new uses of territory under the financialization
• Grantee: Bruno Moreira Riani Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master