World cultural heritage, territory and construction of citizenship. The social construction and appropriation of the world cultural heritage of Valparaíso city

Abstract

The historic neighborhood to Valparaiso city was declared heritage of humanity in July 2nd 2003. Since then the city has achieved unusual social interest, so much so that this title seems to define a before and after in the status of the city and how the residents perceive and live it. This article describes the social construction and appropriation of the world heritage of this city, and the principal social effect about it. The article emphasizes the awakening of heritage organizations, which had put the heritage as a frame to express social rights and requirements, changing the organization outlook of Valparaiso society as a consequence.