A elaboração do saber nas lutas pela moradia: um estudo sobre ocupações de terreno em Fortaleza

Abstract

This study discusses the knowledge and know-how acquired during the fight for housing in Fortaleza from 1980 to 1998 and – more specifically – in the production of strategies and the organized squatting of land for improved acess to housing. The first of the study includes theree chapters. The first retrace the story of policies for low-income housing in Brasil and of the struggle for hegemony in the occupation of urban space. The second chapter discusses the spatial grwth of Fortaleza, its contradictions and the resulting forms and means of segregation. The third describes the urban dynamics observed in the city relating to the housing conditions and opportunities of the majority of the population. The second part includes two chapters and discusses the knowledge and know-how developed during the struggle for housing and through the related social practices – especially in Fortaleza’s community organizations. These chapters examine the relationship between the knowledge produced during experiences in planned squatting – from the fight for land to the construction of the houses – and the changes in the mutirão1 programs and their management. Case studies from Fortaleza’s neighborhoods of Messejana, Bairro Ellery, Pirambu and Dias Macêdo are presented. The principal sources of data and information were the oral testimonials of community leaders, suatters, coordinators os federations of neighborhood associations, technical staff os government bodies, NGO representatives, members of parliament, activists of progressive segments of the Catholic Church and members of the Joint Council for Housing. This information was cross-checked against official documents and statistics of the State of Ceará and the City of Fortaleza, data from community organizations, new clippings and academic studies on the topic.