Forces of cohesion and fragmentation identified in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo

Abstract

The research aims to identify the forces of metropolitan cohesion and fragmentation that influence the process of inter-federative articulation and formulation of public policies in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. Concerning the methodology, the research has a quantitative approach, classified as a type of descriptive research. The measured variables were operationalized by means of a bipolar semantic differential scale, based on a set of adjectives, opposites and contraries (degree of agreement and degree of importance). For data analysis, the research made use of the Exploratory Factor Analysis technique. The results present the latent dimensions, responsible for explaining the set of observed variables. In this way, it was possible to relate the forces of metropolitan cohesion in the following order: formulation of the Integrated Urban Development Plan (PDUI), creation of a metropolitan culture and awareness, and adequacy of the aims of the Integrated Urban Development Plan related to Public Functions of Common Interest. The research also characterized weaknesses, pointing out the following fragmentations: low tradition in regional policies, lack of technical capacity in the municipalities and political and ideological differences.

Keywords
Metropolitan Region of São Paulo; metropolitan cohesion forces; metropolitan fragmentation forces; regional public policies