Stolen Cars: A Journey Through Sao Paulo's Urban Conflict

Stolen Cars is an ethnography that explores urban inequalities and violence in São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on the journeys of five stolen cars. It provides an original theoretical framework for understanding the urban and transnational supply chain, drawing from empirical data and various methodologies. The book highlights how everyday life is entangled with structural urban transformations and how urban development produces various forms of illegality and violent crime.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Stolen Cars is a groundbreaking ethnography that delves into the intricate web of urban inequalities and violence in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil. Spanning across five captivating narratives, this book explores a diverse range of themes, including the nuanced distinctions between violent robbery and the more commercial non-violent theft, as well as the intricate connections between national borders and the flourishing illegal and legal economies. Through an innovative theoretical framework, it sheds light on a rarely studied urban and transnational supply chain, offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms that perpetuate urban inequalities and violence.

Drawing from a wealth of empirical data and employing a diverse range of methodologies, the book vividly demonstrates how everyday life is intricately intertwined with structural urban transformations. It highlights the ways in which urban development processes contribute to the proliferation of various forms of illegality and violent crime, revealing the complex interplay between social, economic, and political factors.

The book employs an ethnographic narrative style to vividly portray the lived experiences of those involved in the world of stolen cars. Through these narratives, readers gain a deep understanding of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shape the lives of those caught up in the illegal car trade. The book also sheds light on the broader societal implications of such crimes, exploring how they contribute to the erosion of trust, the marginalization of certain communities, and the broader social and economic inequalities that exist in urban spaces.

In conclusion, Stolen Cars is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of urban inequality and violence. Through its innovative approach, rigorous research, and compelling storytelling, this book offers valuable insights into the ways in which cities are shaped by the forces of globalization, capitalism, and social exclusion. It serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for policies and interventions that address the root causes of these issues and work towards creating more equitable and just urban environments for all.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119686125