Living at Risk: The Poor in Urban Brazil

Introduction

In his groundbreaking book, "Living at Risk: The Poor in Urban Brazil," Lucio Kowarick provides a searing indictment of the social and economic conditions that perpetuate poverty in Brazil's urban centers. Drawing on extensive fieldwork conducted in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Kowarick paints a vivid portrait of the daily struggles faced by the urban poor, while also offering a trenchant critique of the policies that have failed to address their plight.

The Urban Poor in Brazil

Brazil is a country of stark contrasts, with a small, wealthy elite living alongside a vast majority of poor and working-class people. This inequality is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where the poor are often forced to live in slums, or favelas, that lack basic services such as sanitation, electricity, and running water.

Kowarick's book focuses on the lives of the urban poor in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil's largest and most unequal cities. He describes the favelas as "places of extreme poverty and social exclusion," where residents are constantly at risk of violence, disease, and hunger.

The Causes of Poverty

Kowarick argues that poverty in Brazil is not simply a result of individual failings, but rather a structural problem that is rooted in the country's history of colonialism and exploitation. He points to the concentration of land ownership, the lack of access to education and healthcare, and the discrimination faced by Afro-Brazilians and other marginalized groups as key factors that contribute to poverty.

The Failure of Public Policy

Kowarick also criticizes the Brazilian government's policies for failing to address the needs of the urban poor. He argues that government programs are often too focused on providing short-term relief, rather than addressing the underlying causes of poverty. He also criticizes the government's reliance on private sector solutions, which he argues have only served to exacerbate inequality.

The Need for Change

Kowarick concludes his book by calling for a radical transformation of Brazilian society. He argues that the only way to end poverty is to address the structural causes that produce it. He calls for land reform, increased access to education and healthcare, and an end to discrimination. He also argues for a more participatory democracy, in which the poor have a greater say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Conclusion

"Living at Risk" is a powerful and moving account of the lives of the urban poor in Brazil. Kowarick's book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the causes of poverty and inequality in Brazil and beyond. It is also a call to action, a reminder that we cannot afford to ignore the plight of the world's poor.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in social justice, poverty, or urban studies, then "Living at Risk" is a must-read. Kowarick's book is a powerful and moving account of the lives of the urban poor in Brazil, and it offers a trenchant critique of the policies that have failed to address their plight. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the causes of poverty and inequality in Brazil and beyond.

Order Your Copy Today!

"Living at Risk" is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and learn more about the lives of the urban poor in Brazil.