Exclusion and public policies: theoretical dilemmas and political alternatives

Abstract

The article discusses the consequences of the present pattern of urban violence on the sociability and policies in popular neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro from the perspectives and political proposals put forth by the anti-utilitarian thought of some European social scientists. Initially, it discusses the suggestions for active citizenship or for social life participation in several ways and levels for the remaking of the nation state. Then, it analyses the ambiguities and paradoxes of reciprocity in order to reflect upon modern reciprocity as characterized by solidarity towards the stranger and by new amplified networks of social bonds that minimize violence. Finally, the exclusions and the shaken circuits of reciprocity in today's Brazil are considered in their relationship with the way in which crime is organized and how the new internal-classes divisions established themselves in Rio de Janeiro

Ecological analysis of the distribution and socio-spatial context of homicides in Porto Alegre, Brazil

“…Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the role of social inequalities in the distribution of disease and mortality (Centerwall, 1974;Onwuachi-Saunders and Hawkins, 1993;Soares, 1996;Strohmeier, 1998;Zaluar, 2000). In the underdeveloped world, where vast metropolitan peripheries suffer simultaneously from poverty, low educational levels, and lack of social services, this inequality assumes dramatic proportions.…”

“…Reform of the law enforcement and legal system are also essential (Minayo, 1994). In the words of Alba Zaluar (2000), which are shared by many of those reflecting on violence and society in Brazil, ''A fair, democratic country cannot exist without such policies. In an exclusionary social context, penalty is imposed in terms of access, not only to material goods, but also to employment, health, justice, education, leisure, and personal development.…”