A gestão social do medo na cidade de Natal/RN: cultura, medo e violência urbana

Abstract

The city since its origin is characterized by being a place of protection of the human being. Even being a symbol of security and better survival conditions, fear permeates the imagination of its residents. Violence and crime are also part of this story. Although to a certain extent it is no more than a sensation, insecurity in the city has subjectively influenced people away from socializing with others and public spaces. Therefore, the present work aims to understand the relationship between the individual and the city under the aegis of the culture of fear, in the city of Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Next, to know the strategies of the citizens and of the public power used for the management of the fear in the city and the consequent use of the public spaces. The present investigation is qualitative, based on semi-structured interviews with state and municipal public security managers and also with representatives of civil society entities. In general, the public managers were categorical in affirming that the citizen should not be afraid of the criminality. Representatives of civil society organizations have pointed to the city as having a high crime rate and, as a consequence, a feeling of insecurity that is very worrying. For them, the State is no longer willing to provide the service, either because of lack of staff, lack of investment or the absence of the State in Education as the main factor in generating crime.