Lives Uprooted: Urban Inequality and Olympic Evictions in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

As Rio de Janeiro prepared to host the 2016 Olympics, over 22 000 families were evicted from their homes. What is the significance of a home? As we know, a home holds social, cultural and psychological meanings far beyond its functions as a shelter. The architecture of houses are adapted to and reflect local ways of socialising, and may also be constructed in accordance with cultural symbolism (Bourdieu 2003; Robben 1989; Ystanes 2011). This article argues that while often applied as part of ‘urban renewal’ processes in different locations, forced evictions are highly problematic. The discussion is based on ethnographic fieldwork in Vila Autódromo and among former residents, during and after the eviction process. It is inspired by the concept of ‘root shock’ coined by the psychiatrist Mindy Fullilove (2004). This concept takes the loss of home and its surrounding environment as a traumatic event with enduring impacts for individuals as well as for communities.