(Re)produção do espaço urbano capitalista: uma etnografia do subcentro Major Prates (Montes Claros/MG)

Abstract

This master's dissertation examines David Harvey's critical analysis of the capitalist system and its application in the study of urban space in medium-sized cities, using the case of the Major Prates neighborhood in Montes Claros as an example. The research, of a qualitative nature, aims to analyze, through bibliographic, documentary, and ethnographic (participant observation) methods, the influence of capital in the production and reproduction of urban space in the Major Prates neighborhood - Montes Claros/MG. The implementation of public policies in this context is investigated as a mechanism of spatial, social, and economic control, perpetuating disparities and affecting the quality of life of the population. The decentralization of economic activities to peripheral areas of capitalism, which created subcenters in medium-sized cities, exemplified in the Major Prates neighborhood, is discussed, highlighting the importance of urban dwellers and their tactics in resistance and the creation of alternative uses of space. However, such transformations are not neutral, and the State plays a central role in urban planning and the configuration of centralities. In this sense, the role of municipal government in the production of urban space is questioned, considering the need for social and urban policies aimed at promoting quality of life and equitable access to space. It is evident that the State (represented by the Municipal government) must address the specific demands of new centralities, ensuring the development of basic infrastructure, leisure areas, and social inclusion. The critical understanding of the process of producing urban space in medium-sized cities, in light of Harvey's theories, exposes the contradictions and challenges present in class society. The State, as an articulator and legitimizing agent of capitalist relations, assumes the responsibility of promoting spatial justice and equity in access to urban resources. Finally, the reflection on socio-spatial dynamics in medium-sized cities, such as Montes Claros, allows us to recognize the importance of a more inclusive and participatory approach to urban planning, taking into account the interests and needs of the local population, leading to the conclusion that only in this way it will be possible to build fairer, more egalitarian, and sustainable cities, overcoming the inequalities present in the current capitalist system and decolonizing urban experiences.