Abstract

PINTO, Lucas Henrique  and  CARNEIRO, Eder Jurandir. Structural Aspects of the Social Construction of Environmental Risk in Working-Class Territories: The Case of São João del Rei (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Cuad. Geogr. Rev. Colomb. Geogr. [online]. 2015, vol.24, n.2, pp.173-188. ISSN 0121-215X.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rcdg.v24n2.50220.

This work is the result of an investigation on "environmental risk" in São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, that demonstrated the functioning of mechanisms that generate environmental inequalities. These inequalities force low-income populations to live in territories marked by environmental degradation and a lack of urban infrastructure services. Observations regarding the construction of certain working-class neighborhoods revealed situations of "environmental risk", which were identified through reviews of records, examinations of public ministry proceedings, and interviews with individuals in affected communities. Environmental risk was regarded as any situation identified as risky by a social actor and later publicized. Various statements and perceptions of technicians were analyzed, and the perceptions held by the populace regarding the examined situations, their causes and their possible solutions were assessed.

Keywords : environmental inequalities; environmental justice; Minas Gerais; environmental risk; São João del Rei.

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