Segregation and vulnerability as an effect of public policies in Chile. The case of Alerce, Puerto Montt

Abstract

This manuscript analyzes the processes of urban segregation and vulnerability linked to urban policies from the case of the satellite city of Alerce in Puerto Montt (Chile), in a context of metropolization and eradication of the city’s camps. For this, a mixed methodology is proposed with statistical data in a multicriteria evaluation, later treated by GIS to measure segregation. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with key actors, which allowed obtaining an over-view of vulnerability and its spatialization. As a result, the most important urban policies and high levels of segregation in Alerce were identified, which limit employment, socioeconomic, educational or health opportunities. This makes it possible to establish links between public policies and the phenomena of segregation and vulnerability in sectors such as Alerce, highlighting its different socio-spatial dimensions.