Experimentação institucional e redes: o processo de desenvolvimento na região de Apodi e Caicó

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze the development process of two microregions of Rio Grande do Norte, the Chapada do Apodi and the Seridó Ocidental, considering the perspective of Amartya Sen (2010). The regions choice is due to their Human Development Indexes being equal to or higher than other areas of the State, they also have great social capital and both have strong collective identity. They are geographically close, but have very different histories. The central focus is to understand the elements and structures responsible for permanence or changes in trajectories, as well as to understand which are the main networks and institutions for combating deprivations and strengthening freedoms. This thesis made a brief historical and institutional reconstitution of these regions and, through in-depth interviews, traced social relations of individuals inserted in these spaces, with the aim of analyzing networks and measurements. In conclusion, it has been observed that while in Apodi several networks and structures have emerged in the last 30 years; in Seridó, there was a resignification of existing institutions. Finally, this research points out that these development processes were not constituted by pre-established rules, but they occurred as a result of rooted local individuals who were aware of the current structures and, at the same time, with the strengthening of their autonomy, they were not enticed by external interests to the community.