Seaside resort and the subjects of the urban sprawl expansion and verticalization: the invisible protagonism of construction workers in Matinhos, Paraná, between 1980 and 2000

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey of construction workers who migrated between 1980 and 2000 to the municipality of Matinhos, a traditional seaside resort in Paraná. These individuals worked on construction sites, settled permanently in the region, and rebuilt their lives linked to the dynamics of the city and its socio-spatial formation. The study aims were: i) to identify aspects of the construction workers’ origin and trajectory in Matinhos; ii) to analyze their adaptation, social insertion, forms of leisure, and relationships in the scope of work; and iii) to reflect on the dynamics of identity and cultural aspects experienced by these workers. The methodology used was a qualitative approach with a case study design, using semi-structured interviews for data collection. The results show us aspects of the migration process experienced by ten young workers with origins in rural areas of several regions of Paraná. Initially inserted in contexts of socioeconomic fragility, they bet on migration for social ascension, settling on the coast of Paraná from opportunities in the construction sector that, at the time, enjoyed an accelerated rhythm due to urban verticalization, driven by buildings of the second residence of predominantly seaside use. The labor insertion in the construction sites occurred in the condition popularly called “oreia seca”, the base of the hierarchy of functions, equivalent to the hodman. The work environment and the dwellings, not rare lodgings, as well as the social support networks, were important micro-territorial references, initial bases for a gradual local insertion, as they provided welcome and support to recreate links and sociabilities. The interviewees reported social and professional ascension concomitant with the development of the seaside resort; they constituted themselves with their families in the municipality, showing pride and satisfaction with these choices.