The depopulation phenomenon in municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil under the lens of the Capability Approach

Abstract

During the decade 2000-2010 more than half of the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul – Brazil experienced an absolute reduction of its population, which happened particularly sharp in the northwest of the state. This phenomenon remains sparsely studied, especially regarding the underlying causes and implications for the development of communities as well as for individuals affected by it. This article seeks to remedy part of this gap by addressing the problem in light of Amartya Sen’s theoretical contributions, particularly by using his concept of Agency and the related notions of Power and Control. Based on evidences from the literature, on socioeconomic and demographic data and on statistical methods it shows that, considering the different dimensions of human development (health, income, education), the most directly related to the migration phenomenon is the dimension that reflects the economic activities (income). It is argued that because of a regional productive structure, based on exportation of primary goods, specially soybeans, much of the local population sees its Agent condition severely hampered due to its non-inclusion in these economic activities, and due to the fact that these activities are controlled by multinational agents, outside the region. The consequence, among others, is the depopulation phenomenon, given that emigration, as an act that implies individual or family Agency, is much more under the Power and Control of the local inhabitants than the mechanisms, processes and actors that underlie the main regional productive activities.