Territorialites and autonomy exercises: social groups and self-produced popular housing in Maranhão

Abstract

Despite the number of housing units built by government programs in recent years, informal construction of public housing—which lacks formal technical aid—still prevails throughout the country as an affordable alternative for the poor. Based on field research of popular housing in rural and urban Maranhão, this text demonstrates that the living arrangements, in addition to providing shelter and quality living spaces, demonstrate autonomy and social resistance in the face of multiple systemic pressures. Unlike the imposed state housing policy procedures, family decisions for the self-production of housing are intrinsically related to socio-spatial particularities that characterize vernacular architecture. By taking into account the land tenure regime, family structure, productive practices, and access to income, builders demonstrate the capacity to design and manage the production of their spaces. These are important features to consider in academic analyses and professional partnerships to avoid devaluation and even criminalization of popular practices.

Keywords
Territoriality; Autonomy; Social groups; Low-income housing; Maranhão