Positive externalities or excluding effects? Socioeconomic integration of three low-income neighborhoods in salvador in relation to their elite neighboring condominiums

Abstract

The recent spatial transformation of the peripheral regions of Latin American cities, induced by the construction of elite closed condominiums, prompted the discussion as to whether this development favors the socio-economic integration of the lower classes. In order to contribute to a still incipient debate in Brazil, in this work we ask under what conditions the territory effect that affects the populations of Calabar, Bate Facho, and Vila Verde neighborhoods (from Salvador, Brazil) is mitigated by the proximity to elite condominiums. Based on interviews, three mechanisms that explain the variability of the territory effect in these three locations are identified: changes in the support system, the impact of crime, and the stigmatization of the population. It is argued that the individual‘s opportunities for socio-economic participation in relation to the geographic environment are conditioned to the existence of public spaces and the impact of crime. The mitigating effect of positive externalities declines in the peripheral neighborhoods Bate Facho and Vila Verde, where physically isolated closed condominiums promote exclusionary effects.