A cidade e os seus muros: Estado, poder e política habitacional em Brasília

Abstract

The structures of power and public policies in Brazil have played a fundamental role in perpetuating urban inequalities, particularly in access to basic rights. This research analyzes these complex relations through a theoretical and empirical approach, investigating how, despite being part of the government agenda, public policies often fail to achieve their goals. The analysis reveals that, regardless of political discourse, market interests have prevailed, a trend observed from the housing programs of the military governments to the present day. The perpetuation of urban inequalities is linked to the influence of economic elites over the patrimonial State, which shapes public policies to serve their interests, worsening social exclusion. The research focuses on housing policy in the Federal District between 1990 and 2010, highlighting how socio-state power networks interfere in the formulation, execution, and oversight of these policies, emphasizing the phenomenon of the "decade of invasions." Based on reports from Parliamentary Inquiry Commissions — CPIs, the analysis shows how these economic elites, in alliance with state actors, consolidate socio-spatial segregation and hinder the advancement of inclusive policies.