“Fortified Cells” and “Dangerous Places”: Processes of Fragmentation of Sociopolitical-Spatial Fabric in Medium-Sized Cities -- Resende and Volta Redonda, RJ

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the process of fragmentation of sociopolitical-spatial fabric in the medium-sized cities of Resende and Volta Redonda (Rio de Janeiro State). Information concerning the location of closed and controlled residential spaces and data related to income was accessed from IBGE (2010) and criminal data obtained from police stations of the cities in 2013. Furthermore, residents of different areas of the cities were interviewed as well as journalists and the police. The results indicated that although the territorialization of drug trafficking is not as intense as it is in Brazilian metropolitan areas, it still contributes to the image of urban insecurity among wealthier people, who have often opted to live in gated self-segregated spaces, which have multiplied locally.