El hábitat popular en la encrucijada La experiencia del barrio Néstor Kirchner en el este de la Provincia de Mendoza

The occupation of state-owned land, as a way of having access to housing, is presented as a popular measure with high instrumental potential. Its implications go beyond the basic need of housing. It is also associated to the social organization of popular sectors. This article describes a historical background about the different conditions that have led to the occupation of state-owned land standing out its importance as a strategic tactic in the struggle for urban land. To that end, the results from fieldwork carried out in barrio Néstor Kirchner, in the east of the province of Mendoza will be developed. The focus of this research will be on the collective actions for the appropriation of the territory. This analysis is meant to offer a deeper understanding of social and political dynamics behind the state-owned land occupation. It is also intended to emphasize the role of the collective action in the construction of social forces and struggle for urban housing and land access.