Conflicts and Subjectivities

Critical Review of the Work "O Medo na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro", by Vera Malaguti

Abstract

The work "O Medo na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro", published by Revan, 2003, by Vera Malaguti, is characterized by thoroughness and originality. The author focuses on fear and its diffusion in the city of Rio de Janeiro as a state policy of social distancing, seeking to neutralize and discipline the poorer layers of the city, imposing on them a conservatism coming from the hegemonic layers. In an attempt to understand this contemporary context, the author presents an analytical research of the city's public policies, going back to the 19th century until the end of the 20th century, with the main purpose of portraying multiple ruptures between administrators and the administered. It is worth mentioning that Malaguti's study introduces not only political and sociological dimensions, but also a strong historical and geographical perspective, as it deals with the characteristics of social control in the marvelous city, since the previous century.