A perspective of counter-hegemonic analysis and territorial transformation

Abstract

Abstract. This paper shows the results from my research trajectory and my collaboration in cooperative projects with economically disadvantaged people of the urban periphery of Francisco Beltrão (Brazil). I initially reflect on the relevance of an analysis of urban social movements, asking how current urban conflicts can be understood from a territorial perspective. I will first develop a specific definition of territory, which seeks to become operative in collaboration with diverse subjects and in the analysis of territorial development based on the place. Such a conceptualization of territory provides a territorial analysis furthering transformation towards a fairer, solidary, and ecological society. I show how this fairer society emerges in a multidimensional way, emanating from the processes of territorialization, deterritorialization, and reterritorialization. Finally, by linking these processes with the current processes of territorial development (in research, analysis, and active participation), this study contributes to a more dialogical and counter-hegemonic perspective, especially in relation to Latin America.

Contesting double displacement: internally displaced <i>campesinos</i> and the social production of urban territory in Medellín, Colombia

“…From this quote, we can see how displaced leaders are asking members to use their imaginations to collectively dream the territory as a manifestation of their rights, both as victims and citizens. Imaginarios are spatial representations based on a material foundation, with a particular understanding of territoriality that is infused with sentiments and meanings that point towards new possibilities and hopeful futures (Schwarz and Streule, 2016;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000). Maria Elena's interview also highlights how having land is imperative to territorial production.…”

“…I argue that displaced campesinos contest double displacement based on an emotionally charged process that forms their everyday acts of re-territorialization, which challenges state-centric conceptions of territory and territorialization. While scholars have offered thorough accounts on the theorization of the social production of territory (Schwarz and Streule, 2016;Haesbaert, 2013;Zibechi, 2012;Porto-Gonçalves, 2010;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000), this article offers an empirical account that demonstrates how dispossessed subjects understand and practice their right to (re)produce alternative territories at the urban scale.…”

“…Second, what are the emotional aspects of the social production of territory? Reflecting on relational aspects of territory, I demonstrate how displaced peasants enact three interconnected "aspects of power relations in the production of territory" (Schwarz andStreule, 2016:1005). Namely, how these aspects have a material dimension, are infused with emotional meanings, and are politically strategic (Echeverría and Rincón, 2000:32).…”

“…Namely, how these aspects have a material dimension, are infused with emotional meanings, and are politically strategic (Echeverría and Rincón, 2000:32). I utilize a socio-territorial approach developed by Latin American scholars (Santos, 2000;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000;Zibechi, 2012) to understand the material and relational processes involved in the production of alter-territorialities (Courtheyn, 2017;Agnew and Oslander, 2013) by different, and often conflicting, actors, practices, and meanings (Schwarz and Streule, 2016). In addition, this territorial approach is a method for identifying the power relations involved in the production of territory (Schwarz and Streule, 2016;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000).…”

“…I utilize a socio-territorial approach developed by Latin American scholars (Santos, 2000;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000;Zibechi, 2012) to understand the material and relational processes involved in the production of alter-territorialities (Courtheyn, 2017;Agnew and Oslander, 2013) by different, and often conflicting, actors, practices, and meanings (Schwarz and Streule, 2016). In addition, this territorial approach is a method for identifying the power relations involved in the production of territory (Schwarz and Streule, 2016;Echeverría and Rincón, 2000). This perspective allows for a closer examination of re-territorialization, or how nonstate actors (re)produce territories, demonstrating the ways in which displaced people impact and shape urbanization as a political strategy.…”