at a glance

The local environment functions as a space of action for planning and development, which in turn has important implications for group participation and the overall characteristics of local culture. It appeared that the way that local spaces are valorized relates to a wider process of globalization, in which economic, social and cultural relations are generally highly regarded,  although they do raise problematic questions for people and places of different cultures. The field research was undertaken through participant observation and interviews in the Canal do Anil community, located in the district of Gardênia Azul, in Jacarepaguá. Results indicate that inhabitants of the city feel as though there have been significant developments in the community, perceiving improvements in the areas of education, health, garbage treatment and the quality of housing.