Informal Settlements in South American Cities: The Social Dimension

This study focuses on slums, their structure and internal organization. The informal settlements in the South American countries of Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil have been chosen as the object of the study. The author aims to explore the phenomenon of slums, which are an integral part of most major cities in South America, from the point of view of the nature and historical circumstances of their emergence, the social aspects of their inhabitants’ life and their impact on the surrounding urban spaces. The evidence is derived from field research in Montevideo (Lezica and Villa Colón districts and the slum settlement of Santa Eugenia), an interview with a representative of the education sector who works with children and parents from disadvantaged neighborhoods, as well as government reports on the problems of slums and ongoing programs to support vulnerable populations in the countries studied. The research has led to the discovery of specific patterns of slum formation and of the impact of slum settlements on surrounding spaces, and has helped to document the profile of slum dwellers. The author concludes that the negative connotations associated with the concept of slums do not fully reflect this phenomenon, which has positive manifestations, including strong social ties and the potential for mutual assistance within the communities of local residents.