ANÁLISE DA PERCEPÇÃO DOS MORADORES DE PORTO ESTRELA, MATO GROSSO, SOBRE A DINÂMICA URBANA E REGIONAL DO MUNICÍPIO

Abstract

As they serve as local centers of culture, commerce, and basic services, especially in health and education, small towns are essential to the regional configuration, providing balance and cohesion to the region. On the other hand, they face major social and economic challenges as they are caught in a vicious cycle of migration of their young people to larger urban centers in search of education, employment, and better opportunities. Porto Estrela, a municipality in the state of Mato Grosso, is an example of this dynamic. This article aims to analyze the perception of residents in the urban area of the municipality of Porto Estrela regarding its socio-spatial and economic dynamics. Specifically, the study aimed to understand the historical and geographical constitution of the municipality and its districts; identify the main economic activities and their relationship with regional development; observe the elements that express the dynamics of land use and occupation; and, finally, relate empirical observations to the concepts of region and network of influences. As methodological procedures, bibliographic research was conducted; fieldwork was carried out to understand the local reality and the sense of local and regional belonging; conversations with residents and personal observations were made. Field observations, combined with secondary data collection and Theoretical Framework, allowed us to understand urban space as a product of social relations and historical transformations that shape the territory, highlighting the local reality and sense of belonging.