REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN BRAZIL AND THE NEED TO “THINK TERRITORIALLY”

Abstract

The theory of endogenous development presupposes the role of local actors, interacting in territorial cooperation ties. In other words, the idea that gains momentum in the academic and political spheres is that the diversities and peculiarities of the locality must be widely considered and discussed in the process of implementing policies, and that local social actors play a fundamental role in the elaboration of actions. effective, since these are the most knowledgeable about their problems and territorial reality. This perception strongly contrasts with linear thinking based on the centralization of political decisions, which treats the different territorial realities with homogeneous dynamics. Faced with this duality of perceptions, the objective of the present work is to show that Brazilian regions, in fact, present distinct socioeconomic traits that, by far, distance themselves from a homogeneous and unique territory. This presupposes, therefore, the combination of more general public policies with more specific and localized actions, in order to contemplate the different dynamics and Brazilian territorial realities. It was proved, with the descriptive analysis, that the North and Northeast regions, the largest in territorial terms, are the ones that continue to present the worst results in socioeconomic terms. It is evident, therefore, the need to “think territorially” taking into account the particularities of these regions in order to seek economic development for Brazil.