The politics of space and scale in the Brazilian favela: A case study of Sao Pedro.

The politics of local economic development in the Brazilian favela (urban slums) are contentious. This dissertation examines the politics of economic development in the urban slum of Sao Pedro, which is located in the city of Vitoria, Brazil. Space and scale are central to understanding the politics of economic development in this favela, and this research will make use of both concepts to shed light on this local struggle. The dissertation will examine the struggle over local economic development in Sao Pedro through an analysis of the residents\u27 spatial practices. This dissertation will examine the role that scale plays in shaping the politics of local economic development in Sao Pedro. To accomplish these two objectives, the research will examine the class-based spatial practices of the favela\u27s largely low-income residents. The dissertation will also analyze the control that the favela\u27s residents have over the community\u27s local economic development, specifically Project Sao Pedro, in relation to the influence exercised by more affluent and powerful outsiders