Civil-military dictatorship and slums: stigma and restrictions to the debate about the city (1969-1973)

Abstract

This study contributes to the understanding of the political and economic conditions that enabled the execution of the policy of slum clearance promoted by the Military Dictatorship established in the then State of Guanabara in 1964. In addition, it contributes to the understanding that the origins of this policy remain in a previous period, since the “favelado” (slum dweller) was already seen by society and the State as someone marginal, living in illegal conditions and without citizenship rights in the city. This paper also highlights how the idea of the “favelado” was exposed by the authorities without being properly questioned by the various actors of the society. Therefore, the removal of the slums was consolidated practically as the only State’s public policy for slums between 1968-1973.