Transformações Socioespaciais na Comunidade do Maruim em Natal/RN Pós-Reassentamento

Abstract

This dissertation explores the socio-spatial transformations in the Maruim Community, in Natal/RN, after the resettlement of its residents in Residencial São Pedro. Embedded within the context of public policies focused on social housing, the study analyzes the physical, social, and economic impacts of this process, as well as how it influenced the community's daily life and the local urban dynamics. The methodological approach combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, including semi-structured interviews, field research, and document analyses, complemented by secondary data from public agencies and bibliographic studies on the subject. Seventy residents were interviewed, representing about 10% of the resettled population. Concepts such as territoriality, territorial identity, and deterritorialization are addressed, reflecting significant changes in individual and collective experiences. The results highlight improvements in housing conditions, such as access to basic sanitation and housing infrastructure. However, challenges emerged, such as adapting to the new environment, preserving community ties, and reconnecting with the symbolic elements of the former territory, such as the Potengi River and Canto do Mangue, which are fundamental to the community's cultural identity and livelihood. Moreover, the study reveals contradictions in the resettlement process, such as the loss of social spaces, conflicts arising from the appropriation of common areas, and difficulties in the economic reestablishment of residents, especially among fishermen and informal traders. The research emphasizes that urban planning in similar public policies should balance physical infrastructure with the preservation of social and cultural bonds to ensure the well-being and integration of the resettled community. This work aims to contribute to the debate on the socio-spatial impacts of public housing policies, highlighting the importance of inclusive and participatory strategies, advocating for the appreciation of territorial identities, and promoting sustainable urban development.