THE PUBLIC SPACE UNDER A FRAGMENTARY LOGIC

SPATIAL PRACTICES, NEW DISTINCTIONS AND INSURGENCIES

Abstract

The objective of the article is to understand how the process of socio-spatial fragmentation is related to new social distinctions and practices carried out in the public spaces of Brazilian cities. In public squares, the symbolic barriers between the different groups (in co-presence) and the temporal segmentation of activities (and users) are indications of a fragmentary sociability, both in the sense of affirming and denying the right to the city. We also discuss the production of new ephemeral public spaces, the so-called “picos”. They revealed the political strength of the insurgencies in holding clandestine parties, in the context of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. As an empirical case study, the focus is on public spaces in the city of Maringá (PR), in which surveys were applied, and field observations were carried out, in addition to surveys in the digital media and interviews with residents.