Vivienda y segregación social: sus expresiones espaciales en el periurbano de Cuenca de la parroquia El Valle

Abstract

This project investigates the phenomenon of social and spatial segregation in the area of housing, as well as its influence on the configuration of the territory, identifying its physical expressions manifested in the urban environment. The importance of exploring segregation lies in its impact on social and territorial dynamics, where both individuals and groups can be grouped and distanced or excluded from others due to a variety of reasons, including economic, cultural, racial, place of origin differences or, as in this case, according to the quality of habitability of housing. The study employs a methodological process based on the analysis of patterns of social and spatial segregation, which helps to identify the variables surrounding housing, its inhabitants and segregation, which are subsequently examined spatially and quantitatively. And through this analysis, primary information is obtained that will determine in a first approach the presence, increase or absence of segregation. The analysis revealed that the studied territory shows an emerging social segregation, where closed housing complexes are emerging and proliferating in areas of the study area, increasing physical barriers and preventing social contact, thus segregating the inhabitants with a higher purchasing power. On the other hand, precarious housing, which lacks one or more basic services for daily life, is segregated by socioeconomic level, expressing this contrast of social realities. This disparity in housing quality and accessibility to basic housing services reflects deep socio-economic inequalities that influence the territorial structure and the quality of life of its inhabitants.