Manifestations of Socio-environmental Vulnerability in the Socio-spatial Fragmentation of Mid-Sized Cities: The case of Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes how socio-environmental vulnerability manifests in socio-spatial fragmentation in the mid-sized city of Santa Cruz do Sul (RS, Brazil), a process that goes beyond metropolitan areas and also affects small and mid-sized cities. Through factor and cluster analysis applied to the 144 census tracts of the urban area, using 25 indicators, nine factors were identified, explaining 72.3% of the variance, along with five distinct socio-spatial groups. The results reveal a stark contrast: the north, with high-end gated communities, is opposed to the south, which concentrates low-income housing and greater vulnerability. This division reflects inequalities in income, infrastructure, and housing quality, confirming that fragmentation intensifies vulnerability and demands integrative urban strategies to reduce segregation.