Associações: experiência de participação na redemocratização - movimentos comunitários em Juiz de Fora – MG – 1974-1988

Abstract

This academic work was developed by a series of questions about the Brazilian political participation. Seeking to understand its mechanism, the associative forms of activities in the city of Juiz de Fora were studied from 1974 to 1988, and its role in the promotion of participative spaces. In this journey, the paths crossed facilitate the understanding that the movement founded must be understood in the uniqueness of that specific moment. The associative movement integrated a horizontal network which, in most cases, was the result of the context of the neighborhood and, although fragmented, was an important experience that had significant impact on performance of social movements and society as a whole. The advent of “Pro-Neighborhood Improvement Societies” in the 40’s, is a milestone in the history of the community movement in the city. Until the 70’s, the societies would be the main bridges between the people and the public administration. During the redemocratization, the emergence or reemergence of other actors would become the political game more complex by giving more strength to the associative activities. This is the case of the movement “Unibairros” which presented a more combative and questioning posture, acting in the political awareness and joining forces to promote participation. During the period covered by this study, the relationship among the city hall and the movements consisted as a point of tension, splitting in half the political forces of the city. However, the social mobilization around the collective problems reinforced community ties and solidarity, promoting the political participation of various actors immersed in what is called “mass”, amplifying the voice of popular aspirations for better living conditions.