The geographical understanding of the popular economy in Latin America: a reflection on the two circuits of the urban economy in São Luís (MA), Brazil

Abstract

The popular economy is a highly significant reality in the socio-spatial formations of Latin American countries, with a focus on the Brazilian case. The contemporary world exhibits various characteristics of this popular economy, demanding new theoretical initiatives to comprehend this reality. Our master's research allowed us to recognize, in this sense, the importance of the popular economy as a provider of work in São Luís (MA), Brazil. Consequently, this exchange project aims to further deepen our theoretical and methodological studies of this economic segment through reflections on the two circuits of the urban economy. With a theoretical and methodological approach, this project seeks to provide support in understanding the popular economies of São Luís (MA), their geographical characteristics, and strategies for the use and appropriation of public spaces in the contemporary world.