THE CITY-CAPITAL RACE RELATION IN CARIOCA URBAN SPACE: AN ANALYSIS OF REMOVALS IN THE RUN-UP TO SPORTS MEGA-EVENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the removal and resistance in the urban space of Rio de Janeiro with the constant effort to observe the city-race-capital relationship. The analysis was based on a literature review on studies and research on removals in recent period of Rio's history: the preparations for the mega-events. Firstly, contemporary capitalism, its relationship with space and the correlations of the current financial crisis with the urban space of Rio are addressed. Second, the focus was brought to the processes of removal and resistance in the preparations for the mega-events of 2014 and 2016, after the economic crisis of 2007/2008 and when the effects of this crisis were intense throughout the world. After this step, some studies on some removed communities are presented, always trying to centralize the race variable. Finally, one of the forms of resistance engendered by the affected population is exposed. It was observed that the population was organized in popular committees, forums and associations together with researchers and university academics; in addition to the mobilization and political use of Law and state institutions to counter state removal action itself. We conclude that limiting the study of urban space to the city-capital relationship oblivious to the double oppression (of class and race) that non-white people may suffer in the city. In addition, it concludes by the requirement for citizenship (the right to have rights) by the population during the processes of resistance and a certain normative hope in Law during this process.