Fragmentação socioespacial e recomposição metropolitana, vistas desde Belém, Pará, Brasil

Abstract

Research Purpose: To analyse how Belém's socio-spatial fragmentation and metropolitan dispersion in the last decade of the 21st century have not only altered the role of the "old centre", but also its relationship with the "periphery" (or peripheries) and contributed to the configuration of new conditions of centrality, in association with changes in spatial mobility practices. Methodology: The methodological approach consisted of a bibliographical and documentary survey and analysis of the literature linked to the categories of analysis: urbanisation, socio-spatial fragmentation and consumption. From the point of view of making the research process operational, we carried out a survey with the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Considering the empirical dimensions of housing, mobility and consumption, we opted for focus group interviews. Findings: The idea is that the urbanisation process, in its correlation with socio-spatial fragmentation and metropolitan recomposition, has contributed to the constitution of a multicentric space, as a cause and consequence of diverse spatial practices, associated in particular with the housing, mobility and consumption conditions of residents, where diversity and inequality are relevant. Originality/Value: Given the ultra-liberal framework, the conclusion is that there is a need for an urban policy that favours the reduction of inequalities and promotes greater social cohesion, specifically by strengthening geographical justice.