Mobilidade e territorialidade : análise dos deslocamentos pendulares no arranjo populacional de Santa Cruz do Sul (RS).

Abstract

Commuting is intrinsically related to the spatial distribution of population within a territory. In this context, to analyse the relations between urbanization and commuting can help to understand the dynamics and functions of territories, including the spatial arrangements of population. This research analysed changes in the territory as a result of the commuting originating from the process of urban expansion and restructuring of the population spatial arrangements in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil. The research is based on the following objectives: to seek a brief historical, demographic and economic characteristics of the municipalities of Santa Cruz do Sul and Vera Cruz, where the population spatial arrangements take place; to assess, through statistical data, the profile of the commuters who both study and work, and also identify the selection processes of the use and appropriation of territory due to commuting. Finally, based on empirical data, this work sought to establish the main characteristics of the municipalities of origin and destination, as well as identify the territorial dynamics that are established because of commuting. This study used a qualitative approach, and to analyse the empirical object, the dialectical materialism was the theoretical and methodological approach used. Secondary data were systematised and analysed in relation to commuting according to 2000 and 2010 IBGE (The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) demographic censuses, and forms were completed together with interviews conducted with 22 commuters, who work and/or study, in the Population Spatial Arrangement of Santa Cruz do Sul. From the results it was possible to set the profile of the commuters by checking their reasons for commuting and how they interact and use the urban territory in the Population Spatial Arrangement of Santa Cruz do Sul. As for the results, the secondary statistical data of the municipalities of Santa Cruz do Sul and Vera Cruz are initially shown. These data show an increase of urban population in the municipalities, an improvement of schooling, as well as a reduction of poverty and unemployment. The data show that there has been an increase in commuting, mainly from Vera Cruz to Santa Cruz do Sul making the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul an important place for job opportunities and specialized services ( education and health), boosting the commuting flows between the two municipalities. Primary data are presented and analysed starting from the perception of the commuters who work and/ or study in the Population Spatial Arrangement of Santa Cruz do Sul. Results show that the commuters from Vera Cruz are in search of job opportunities in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul. In relation to studying, the commuting occurs mainly to pursue higher education, looking for qualification. The commuters of Santa Cruz do Sul travel mainly because of work opportunity reasons. They have better qualification and look for skilled jobs in Vera Cruz. The commuters from Vera Cruz, besides working and studying in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, have greater interaction in its population spatial arrangement because they also use health services, trade, leisure and entertainment. Workers and students, who commute, have direct influence on the territory of origin and destination, building and maintaining different territorialities in the Population Spatial Arrangement of Santa Cruz do Sul.