Distribución espacial de los espacios públicos en Montevideo: análisis desde la teoría de desigualdad

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyze the spatial distribution of Montevideo’s public spaces in dialogue with inequality theories. For it, it’s carried on a theoretical-methodological exercise, where at first an approximation to the conceptualization of the city with an emphasis in the inequality is observed and then the specificity of Montevideo are addressed. Method: The methodology follows a qualitative-quantitative approach utilizing GIS tools of public spaces distribution in the city, crossing them with demographic variables and socioeconomic indicators. Results: The city and their public spaces as a social construct allow us to address the distribution of this infrastructure as an intermediate scale in the production/reproduction of inequalities. Although Montevideo has an extensive quantity of public spaces scattered throughout the city, there are certain visible concentrations in the consolidated and more centric areas. Therefore spatial distribution crossed with demographic variables (urbanity, population density, age ranges) and inequality indicators (NBI) observe an association within those areas of the city with critical situations in socioeconomic parameters with the low disponibility of these spaces. Contribution: Comprehending public spaces from the access, quality, accessibility and equality between the different territories of the city is essential to guarantee more democracy and a full exercise of citizenship.