Territorial indetermination and right to the city for indigenous inhabitants of the commune of San José de cocotog

Abstract

The present research focuses on the right to the city as a basic human right that should be accessed by all the inhabitants of the indigenous community of San José de Cocotog, located in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. The commune is divided, territorially and symbolically, by the regional administrations Calderón and Eugenio Espejo, as well as the parish councils of Zámbiza and Llano Chico. On this basis, the influence generated by territorial indeterminacy in access to the right to the city is interpreted.

The study uses qualitative methodology, as that perspective that facilitates dialogue with the participants and, allow their expression to problematize and broaden the debate on the situation of their commune regarding this right and the current State of Rights. In this framework, interviews are conducted with community and parish leaders, in addition, a discussion group is held with inhabitants of each of the five neighborhoods of the commune.

The results ascribe fundamental importance to the territory, as it is in this place where the subjects relate and develop, both personally and collectively, however, they are traversed by violations and inequalities due to the effect of territorial division. The absence of recognition of territorial limits has generated social segregation, limitations and lack of public spaces, delegitimization of the communal organization, as well as a wide sensation of institutional helplessness with regard to access to public works that favor a dignified life of its inhabitants.