Precariousness as a rule: contributions to an epistemological repositioning

Abstract

Urban precariousness is usually addressed as an urban planning and management externality, expressed by the absence of life support infrastructures, whether of greater or lesser materiality. Despite the diversity of methodological instruments available, its effectiveness in urban interventions remains controversial. The hegemonic narrative carries the risk of operationalizing a symbolic domination of popular territories, reinforcing their stigmatized condition. From this guiding question, and in order to revisit the epistemological structures and methodological strategies involved, this paper critically stresses the ontological dimension of urban precariousness. Based on the epistemological model of rhizomes proposed by Deleuze and Guattari, the paper seeks to debate the concept of precarious settlements in terms of its material and immaterial dimensions, proposing new bases for collective action.