Haitian Immigration: Socio-spatial formation of the “baz” in Campinas/SP

Abstract

This paper is the result of doctoral research defended in 2014. It discusses the spatial distribution of Haitian immigration in the municipality of Campinas/SP through the concepts of baz and circulatory territories, which help to understand the fluidity of these immigrants in the urban space, as well as their socialization and permanence strategies. The methodology included the use of semi-structured questionnaires and the mapping of the spaces where Haitian immigrants circulate most in the city. The results show that these immigrants have developed strategies of permanence, protection and mutual aid through the creation of baz, represented in this case by the presence of churches and the State University of Campinas itself. The contribution of this work lies in understanding Haitian immigration in the municipality of Campinas/SP and its forms of circulation in the urban space.