<p>This thesis consists of an introductory summary and three studies focusing language, interaction, and learning in multilingual schools. The overall aim of the thesis is to contribute to the understanding of student learning in diverse schools. </p><p>The first study of the thesis examines the field of cooperative learning with the aim of summarizing, in an overview, research that addresses small group activities in heterogeneous classrooms. The overview indicates that this research is dominated by input-output studies. Process-oriented studies of student interaction constitute a smaller part of research within this field.</p><p>The two subsequent studies were carried out in three multilingual middle school classes in Sweden. The second study concentrates mainly on the second language learners of these classes with the aim of describing language and learning conditions in actual classrooms. A main finding of the study is that second language students fell behind their monolingual Swedish speaking peers in social studies and in other subjects across the curriculum. The study also shows that students form separate groups of Swedes and immigrants inside as well as outside the classroom.</p><p>The third study investigates small group activities in the above mentioned classes. The aim of the study is to gain insight into students’ joint problem-solving processes and thereby provide a broader understanding of learning as socially and interactionally constituted. The data consists of video recordings of small group conversations from which language-related episodes were identified, transcribed and studied applying conversation analysis methods. The findings show that the students are able to scaffold each other effectively in co-constructing linguistic knowledge through social interaction. At the same time, negotiations of power and status are included in their problem-solving processes.</p>

This thesis consists of an introductory summary and three studies focusing language, interaction, and learning in multilingual schools. The overall aim of the thesis is to contribute to the understanding of student learning in diverse schools. The first study of the thesis examines the field of cooperative learning with the aim of summarizing, in an overview, research that addresses small group activities in heterogeneous classrooms. The overview indicates that this research is dominated by input-output studies. Process-oriented studies of student interaction constitute a smaller part of research within this field. The two subsequent studies were carried out in three multilingual middle school classes in Sweden. The second study concentrates mainly on the second language learners of these classes with the aim of describing language and learning conditions in actual classrooms. A main finding of the study is that second language students fell behind their monolingual Swedish speaking peers in social studies and in other subjects across the curriculum. The study also shows that students form separate groups of Swedes and immigrants inside as well as outside the classroom. The third study investigates small group activities in the above mentioned classes. The aim of the study is to gain insight into students’ joint problem-solving processes and thereby provide a broader understanding of learning as socially and interactionally constituted. The data consists of video recordings of small group conversations from which language-related episodes were identified, transcribed and studied applying conversation analysis methods. The findings show that the students are able to scaffold each other effectively in co-constructing linguistic knowledge through social interaction. At the same time, negotiations of power and status are included in their problem-solving processes.

Research has shown that immigrants in the Swedish society often, when seeking jobs, don’t get the same opportunities as the rest of the population. This thesis is a qualitative research that examines the problematic situation of unemployment among immigrants in the municipality of Finspång. The purpose of this study is to analyze how civil servants in Finspång apprehend and describe the labor market problems surrounding the immigrant groups that live in the municipality of Finspång. The empirical material is build upon seven qualitative interviews with eight civil servants working in Finspång. The main focus has been to study how power relations that could be generated through structural/institutional discrimination related to ethnic/ cultural and gender based differentiation take place and regulate opportunities on the Swedish labor market.

Irrigation decentralization has been launched worldwide with high expectations of improved governance, efficiency, and productivity through  democratic processes. However, there is widespread recognition that decentralization is, in reality, unlikely to bring about these positive outcomes. Poor implementation is widely blamed for these failures, but the current study argues that this is only partially true. Decentralization is usually treated as a technical way of power transfer that can be evaluated through quantitative  indicators. Much attention goes to searching solutions to constraints during implementation while less emphasis is on understanding of contexts, processes and the consequences of institutional changes. The common approach mainly focuses on local water users’ organizations but gives insufficient attention to the cross-level interactions between involved actors, their responses to reforms, and power relationships. This approach answers the question: what should be done, but not: why do constraints/limitations occur and why are such contradictory results obtained? In this way the approach itself diffuses some of the challenges in reality and the root of problems leading to surprise consequences and failures during  implementation. In this study, two irrigation systems in Vietnam were selected to examine the emerging decentralization processes, actors’ responses to the institutional changes, as well as the main options, challenges and constraints to decentralization. My ambition is also to further understand why constraints occur and have counterproductive effects. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods, and cross-case analysis are applied. The database was built systematically, based on previous experience in this field, and participatory fieldwork. Decentralization is regarded as a power-laden process involving not just local organizations, but also state agencies, local authorities at different levels, state irrigation companies (IDMCs), and farmers. The study describes how institutional arrangements for decentralization have effects on the dynamics and relations of power between actors in multi-level governance, resulting in impacts on autonomy, accountability, participation, and incentives of involved actors. The analysis shows that the legal framework and several well-intended efforts for decentralization have been launched. However, outcomes in terms of power transfer and actors’ performance are not those expected. The current institutional arrangements have created major constraints: (i) imbalanced power relations, (ii) new resource allocation mechanisms creating dependency among actors, (iii) passiveness, vested interest and privilege within state agencies and IDMCs, and (iv) free-riding behavior and distrust among farmers. Prevailing conditions defy policy intentions by finding a new version of a centralized power structure at provincial level, in which power of state agencies and IDMCs are reinforced. Unexpected effects emerge on the autonomy, accountability, participation, and incentives of all involved actors. Decentralization of irrigation systems is a complex process, not merely a technical transfer of power. It is hard to achieve even with policy in place. All the complexities and implications of irrigation need to be thoroughly considered, with the dynamics in society included. Evaluations of decentralization based on production and economic terms are not enough. Impacts of institutional arrangements on power relations between actors, on their incentives, maneuver room in multi-level governance, and ability to comprehend and influence processes, need to be assessed thoroughly. Essential roles remain for central government when irrigation management is decentralized. / Decentralisering av bevattningsjordbruk har lanserats över hela världen med höga förväntningar på förbättrad styrning, effektivitet och produktivitet genom demokratiska processer. Men det är allmänt erkänt att decentralisering i själva verket knappast är tillräckligt för att åstadkomma dessa positiva resultat. Dåligt genomförande har allmänt fått bära skulden för svårigheterna, men den aktuella studien hävdar att detta bara delvis är sant. Decentralisering behandlas vanligtvis som ett tekniskt sätt för maktöverföring som kan utvärderas genom kvantitativa indikatorer. Mycket uppmärksamhet går då att söka lösningar på begränsningar under genomförandet medan mindre tonvikt ligger på förståelse av sammanhang, processer och konsekvenser av institutionella reformer. Fokus är främst på lokala vattenanvändarnas organisationer så att alltför lite uppmärksamhet riktas till gränsöverskridande samspel mellan berörda aktörer, deras anpassningar till reformer och maktrelationer. Detta tillvägagångssätt svarar på frågan: vad som bör göras, men inte: varför restriktioner/begränsningar uppstår och varför sådana motstridiga resultat uppnås? På så vis skymmer själva tillvägagångssättet några av de utmaningar som i verkligheten utgör grunder för de problem som leder till överraskande konsekvenser och misslyckanden under genomförandet av decentralisering. I denna studie har två bevattningssystem i Vietnam valts ut för att undersöka framväxande decentraliseringsprocesser, aktörernas svar på de institutionella förändringar, liksom de huvudsakliga alternativ, utmaningar och hinder som finns för decentralisering. Min ambition är också att ytterligare förstå varför begränsningar förekommer och har kontraproduktiva effekter. En blandad strategi som kombinerar kvalitativa och kvantitativa metoder används för att studera gemensamma drag i fallstudierna. Databasen byggdes systematiskt, utifrån tidigare erfarenheter på detta område, och deltagande fältarbete. Decentralisering betraktas som en maktrelaterad process som involverar inte bara lokala organisationer, men också statliga myndigheter, lokala myndigheter på olika nivåer, statliga bevattningsbolag (IDMCs), och bönder. Studien beskriver hur institutionella arrangemang för decentralisering har effekter på dynamik och maktförhållanden mellan aktörer inom flernivåstyre, något som resulterar i att autonomi, ansvarsutkrävande, deltagande, och incitament för de berörda aktörerna påverkas. Analysen visar att det rättsliga ramverket och flera välmenande insatser för decentralisering har lanserats. Men utfallet, vare sig i termer av maktöverföring eller aktörernas prestationer, är inte de förväntade. De nuvarande institutionella arrangemangen har skapat stora begränsningar: (i) obalanserade maktförhållanden, (ii) nya resursfördelningmekanismer som leder till nya beroendeformer mellan aktörer, (iii) passivitet, egenintresse och privilegier inom statliga myndigheter och IDMCs, och (iv) snålskjutsbeteende (”free-riding”) och misstro bland jordbrukarna. Rådande förhållanden går emot politiska intentioner genom att en ny version av en centraliserad maktstruktur på provinsiell nivå skapas genom att makten hos statliga myndigheter och IDMCs förstärks. Oväntade effekter uppstår då för autonomi, ansvar, delaktighet och incitament för alla inblandade aktörer. Decentralisering av bevattningssystem är en komplex process, inte bara en teknisk överföring av makt. Den är svår att uppnå även med policy på plats. Alla komplikationer och konsekvenser av bevattning för den dynamik som ingår i samhället måste noga övervägas. Utvärderingar av decentralisering som bygger på produktion och ekonomiska termer är inte tillräckligt. Konsekvenser av institutionella arrangemang för maktrelationer mellan aktörer, för deras incitament, manöverutrymme inom ett flernivåstyre, och förmåga att förstå och påverka processer, måste bedömas noggrant. Viktiga roller återstår för staten när bevattningsjordbruk decentraliseras.

<p>Research has shown that immigrants in the Swedish society often, when seeking jobs, don’t get the same opportunities as the rest of the population. This thesis is a qualitative research that examines the problematic situation of unemployment among immigrants in the municipality of Finspång. The purpose of this study is to analyze how civil servants in Finspång apprehend and describe the labor market problems surrounding the immigrant groups that live in the municipality of Finspång. The empirical material is build upon seven qualitative interviews with eight civil servants working in Finspång. The main focus has been to study how power relations that could be generated through structural/institutional discrimination related to ethnic/ cultural and gender based differentiation take place and regulate opportunities on the Swedish labor market.</p>

This thesis investigates the representation of Nigeria in the British news media. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, it examines the interplay of culture, race, ideology and geo-political power relations in the production of news. It interrogates the influence of sources, the impact of sources-media relations and their direct consequences on the construction as news of Nigeria’s socio-economic and human development indices, which further signpost the direction of representation of the world’s most populous black nation. By considering the coverage of Nigeria in the UK news media between 1997 and 2007, a period which marked a watershed in the democratic evolution of Nigeria, this thesis contributes to the on-going debates regarding cultural understanding in a globalized community. First, the research is based on a content analysis of the coverage of Nigeria in five UK quality newspapers at a period marking the end of the political logjam that engulfed the country following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections; the return to democratic rule and the early years of democracy, which witnessed the successful transfer of power from one civilian administration to another for the first time in Nigeria’s history. Second, a critical discourse analysis of a sample of the coverage of the most mentioned issues in the reportage, and third, on a small set of interviews with some of the journalists involved in the coverage. As a framework for its analysis, this thesis focuses on the theories of cultural politics, representation and news discourse. It finds that the coverage of Nigeria does not just follow the pattern of a distant and differentiated ‘Other,’ but is also significantly influenced by pre-colonial cum colonial history and geo-political power relations. Though news media outlets and individual journalists do try, within their own powers, to make a difference but the fact that the myths supporting these assumptions have been institutionalised over time presents a huge challenge. The issues in the coverage are discursively constructed from western point of view with greater access to shape the news clearly domiciled in the pouch of European or western sources rather than the Nigerians who should have a better appreciation of their local circumstance. This kind of coverage informs the idea of applying western solution to Africa’s problem, which further compounds the crisis. The fact that this manifest pattern of representation obfuscates the real issue behind Africa’s situation and presents imminent dangers to our common humanity are the core concerns contextualized within the thesis. It is negotiated with references to relevant dimensions of culture, politics, news discourse and interpreted in the light of geo-political power relations.

Le développement des sociétés à travers le monde est influencé par des dynamiques de pouvoir social. D’une perspective de genre, les relations patriarcales ont contribué à la réorganisation du développement par un accès inégal aux ressources, à l’espace et à la mobilité. La société mexicaine, caractérisée par un fort patriarcat et une pauvreté endémique, a vu émerger de multiples outils de développement pour pallier aux inégalités de genre. Plus récemment, les programmes de microfinance sont devenus un instrument de choix pour lutter contre la marginalisation des femmes et les inégalités de genre. La littérature scientifique présente des lacunes au sujet de la nature des relations de genre dans les ménages qui bénéficient de la microfinance. Plusieurs études portent sur les impacts de la microfinance sur la vie des femmes, mais peu offrent une vision holistique considérant la microfinance comme un outil de développement capable de changer la nature spatiale des inégalités de genre. Cette recherche est basée sur une comparaison qualitative de deux études de cas de groupes de microfinance de San Miguel Tenextatiloyan et d’Émilio Carranza, deux communautés de la Sierra Norte de Puebla (Mexique). Son objectif principal est d’évaluer le degré selon lequel les programmes de microfinance ont changé la place des femmes dans la société. Pour répondre à cette question, un portrait de l’organisation spatiale du genre sera tracé, puis, les impacts des programmes de microfinance sur la place des femmes dans les espaces domestiques, de travail et communautaires seront évalués. L’étude mène à la conclusion que les programmes de microfinance du CESDER n’ont pas beaucoup changé la place des femmes dans la société. La recherche dévoile plutôt que, dans un contexte de pauvreté, la microfinance stabilise les ménages et offre des lieux d’échange et de réseautage, mais elle n’offre pas aux femmes une véritable chance d’acquérir plus de contrôle sur leur vie. Deuxièmement, les résultats démontrent que les tâches associées à la reproduction sociale – largement assumée par les femmes - engendrent une barrière structurante à l’empowerment des femmes, un obstacle que la microfinance ne parvient pas entièrement à surmonter. Mots-clés : Géographie du genre, relations de pouvoir, développement, microfinance, spatialité, néolibéralisme, Mexique. / The development of societies around the world is influenced by dynamics of social power. From a perspective of gender, patriarchal relationships often shape development by influencing differential access to resources, including space and mobility. Mexico, historically characterized by both patriarchy and endemic poverty, has been home to a wide range of development strategies addressing gendered inequality. Most recently, microfinance programs have become an instrument of choice for confronting female marginalization and gender inequality. The scientific literature reveals important gaps in the study of gendered relationships in households which benefit from microfinance. Several studies address the impact of microfinance on the lives of women, but few offer a holistic vision that views microfinance as a tool of development promising to shift the spatial nature of gendered inequality. This research is based on qualitative comparative case studies of microfinance groups in San Miguel Tenextatiloyan and Émilio Carranza, two communities of the Sierra Norte de Puebla (Mexico). Its primary objective is to evaluate the degree to which microfinance programs have changed the place of the women in society. To answer this issue, a portrait of the spatial organization of gender is presented, and then the impacts of microfinance programs on the place of women in domestic, work and community spaces is assessed. The results of the study indicate that microfinance programs have not changed substantially the place of women in society. Rather the research finds that, in a context of poverty, microfinance stabilizes households, but does not lead to a clear amelioration of the material circumstances of women’s lives. Secondly, the findings demonstrate that the tasks associated with social reproduction – largely assumed by women – provide a structural barrier to female empowerment that microfinance alone cannot fully confront. Keywords: Gender geography, power relations, development, microfinance, spatiality, neoliberalism, Mexico. / El desarrollo de las sociedades a través del mundo es influido por dinámicas de poder social. De una perspectiva de género, las relaciones patriarcales contribuyeron a la reorganización del desarrollo por un acceso desigual a los recursos, al espacio y a la movilidad. La sociedad mexicana, caracterizada por un patriarcado fuerte y una pobreza endémica, vio emerger instrumentos múltiples de desarrollo para mitigar a las desigualdades de género. Más recientemente, los programas de microfinanzas se convirtieron en un instrumento de elección para luchar contra la marginación de las mujeres y las desigualdades de género. La literatura científica presenta lagunas respecto a la naturaleza de las relaciones de género en los hogares que gozan de las microfinanzas. Varios estudios se refieren en los impactos de estos programas en la vida de las mujeres, pero poco ofrecen una visión holística que considere las microfinanzas como un instrumento de desarrollo capaz de cambiar la naturaleza espacial de las desigualdades de género. Esta investigación está basada en una comparación cualitativa de dos estudios de caso de grupos de microfinanzas de San Miguel Tenextatiloyan y de Emilio Carranza, dos comunidades de la Sierra Norte de Puebla (México). Su objetivo principal es evaluar el grado según el cual los programas de microfinanzas cambiaron el lugar de las mujeres en la sociedad. Para responder a esta cuestión, un retrato de la organización espacial del género será trazado; posteriormente se analizarán y evaluarán los impactos de los programas de microfinanzas respecto al papel de las mujeres en los espacios domésticos, de trabajo y comunitario. El estudio lleva a la conclusión que los programas de microfinanzas del CESDER no cambiaron mucho la plaza de las mujeres en la sociedad. La investigación descubre más bien que, en un contexto de pobreza, las microfinanzas estabilizan los hogares y ofrecen un lugar de discusión, pero no les ofrecen a las mujeres una verdadera posibilidad de adquirir más control sobre su vida. En segundo lugar, los resultados demuestran que las tareas asociadas con la reproducción social -ampliamente asumida por las mujeres- engendran una barrera estructurante en el empoderamiento de las mujeres, un obstáculo que las microfinanzas no llegan totalmente a eliminar. Palabras clave: geografía del género, relaciones de poder, desarrollo, microfinanzas, espacialidad, neoliberalismo, México.

Syftet med studien är att ta reda på pedagogers perspektiv och förståelse för hur barn blir bemötta enligt riktlinjer om normer och värden i den reviderade läroplanen för förskolan, Lpfö 98 (Skolverket 2010). Forskningsfrågor i studie är: Hur tolkar pedagoger läroplanens riktlinjer om normer och värden? Vilket förhållningssätt utifrån normer och värden använder pedagoger sig av i förhållande till barn i verksamheten? Hur kan pedagogers perspektiv av normer och värden uttrycka sig i praktiken? Undersökningen i studie grundar sig på en kvalitativ forskningsstrategi. Skriftlig intervju och observationer med nio respondenter och sju ostrukturerade observationer på flera förskolor. Av resultatet från de skriftliga intervjuerna ser vi att diskussion om normer och värden på förskolorna är viktiga för att få en förståelse för riktlinjer i läroplanen, Lpfö 98 (2010). Att visa respekt mot barn är något som pedagogerna ansåg vara viktigt. Vilket uttrycktes av pedagoger på olika sätt. Resultatet av vår studie i stort är att normer och värde upplevs som svårtolkat av pedagoger. Barn blir bemötta på olika sätt av pedagoger. Det är viktigt att pedagoger har förståelse för sin maktposition i förhållande till barn. Pedagogers bemötande och förhållningssätt har betydelse för hur barn upplever pedagogers maktposition. / The study aims to find out the teachers' perspective and understanding of how children are treated in accordance with guidelines on norms and values ​​in the revised curriculum for preschool, Lpfö 98 (National Agency for Education 2010). Research issues in the study is: How do you interpret educators curriculum guidelines on standards and values​​? Which approach based on norms and values, use the educators themselves in relation to children in preschool? How can teachers' perspectives of norms and values ​​express themselves in practice? The survey of study based on a qualitative research approach. Written interviews and observations with nine respondents and seven unstructured observations at several preschools. By the results of the written interviews, we see that the discussion of the norms and values ​​of the preschools are important for an understanding of the guidelines in the curriculum, Lpfö 98 (2010). To show respect towards children is something that teachers deemed important. As expressed by teachers in various ways. The results of our study in general is that norms and values ​​are perceived as difficult to interpret by educators. Children are treated differently by teachers. It is important that educators understand their position of power in relation to children. Educators approach and attitude influences how children perceive teachers' position of power.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this multi-cases study was to analise the influence of formal structure in the emergence of Informal Social Networks in public and private organizations. The study was carried out in a public and a private school in order to determine the implications, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals inserted in the two contrasting situations. Regarding the nature of the investigation, this is a qualitative and quantitative research and the nature of the study outlines a descriptive approach. To define the organizational structure and the formal relationships of the schools we analyzed documents, performed interviews and made observations. For the mapping and characterization of Informal Social Networks of Information, Friendship and Trust, we used the questionnaire by Kuipers (1999) and Silva (2003), and results were obtained by Ucinet 6.0 software in parallel with NetDraw. Sixty-six employees of the public school were identified as types of flowers and seventy-three employees of the private school were called by names of Brazilian trees. In order to understand the reasons that justify the citation of a specific actor, a semi-structured interview based on Sozen (2012) was performed with all participants. The data analysis was divided into three categories: dependence, motives, and consequences of non-relationship. This way, we could observe the relationship between macro-structural and micro-behavioral power based on the counting of words using the NVivo and SAS softwares. Through the degree of centralization of Informal Social Networks it was possible to identify the central actors and their roles according to the classification of Cross and Prusak (2002). The main findings revealed that the networks of both schools analyzed showed a high potential for relationships to be developed. The size and density of the Informal Social Networks of Information and Trust were higher in the private school, whereas the Informal Social Networks of Friendship was higher in the public school. Although the public school used more informal contacts, the private school had a larger number of groups and cohesive subgroups. We, therefore, verified the influence of the formal structure in the formation of informal relationships, mainly in the private school; however, the strengthening of connections is not only sustained by the duties of the position, but also by the personal qualities of those actors. / O presente estudo de multicasos teve como objetivo analisar a influência da estrutura formal no surgimento de Redes Sociais Informais em organizações pública e privada. Optou-se pela pesquisa ser em escolas dos setores público e privado a fim de constatar as implicações, atitudes e condutas dos indivíduos inseridos nas duas situações contrastantes. Dessa forma, no que tange o caráter da investigação, trata-se de uma pesquisa quali-quantitativa e quanto à natureza do estudo delineia uma abordagem descritiva. Para definir a estrutura organizacional e as relações formais das escolas foram utilizadas as análises de documentos, entrevistas e observações da pesquisadora. Para o mapeamento e caracterização das Redes Sociais Informais de Informação, Amizade e Confiança foi aplicado o questionário de Kuipers (1999) e Silva (2003), sendo os resultados obtidos pelo software Ucinet 6.0 em paralelo com o NetDraw, cujos sessenta e seis colaboradores da Escola Pública foram codificados por tipos de flores, e os setenta e três funcionários da Escola Privada denominados por árvores de nacionalidade brasileira. A fim de compreender as razões que justificam a citação de determinado ator, foi realizada entrevista semi-estruturada, baseada em Sozen (2012), com todos os participantes. A análise dos dados foi dividida em três categorias, sendo elas, dependência, motivos e consequências do não relacionamento, de modo a observar as relações de poder macro-estrutural e micro-comportamental existentes por meio da contagem de palavras por meio dos softwares NVivo e SAS. A partir dos graus de centralidades das Redes Sociais Informais identificaram-se os atores centrais e os papéis desempenhados de acordo com a classificação de Cross e Prusak (2002). Os principais resultados encontrados expõem que as redes das duas escolas analisadas denotam um alto potencial de relacionamento a ser desenvolvido. O tamanho e densidade das Redes Sociais Informais de Informação e Confiança foram maiores na Escola Privada, e a Rede Social Informal de Amizade foi superior na Escola Pública. Apesar de a Escola Pública utilizar mais contatos informais, a Escola Privada apresenta um maior número de grupos e subgrupos coesos. Confirma-se, portanto, a influência da estrutura formal na formação das relações informais, principalmente na Escola Privada, todavia, o fortalecimento dos laços não está sustentado apenas pelas atribuições do cargo, mas também pelas qualidades pessoais desses atores.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:51:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 KarenACB_DISSERT.pdf: 1372284 bytes, checksum: 9ca8467789ec49aa7efc04ec475b5697 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-04-08 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / This master thesis aimed to investigate how the power relations operating in the tourism social processes, have shaped the urbanization of Ponta Negra district, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte - RN. The study assumes that the production of space is the result of global phenomena individualized by local forces a process of glocalization. The method used was the case study. It used primary and secondary data and information were treated using the technique of content analysis. The urbanization of Ponta Negra is inserted in the context of global process triggered in the 1970s. The Park of Dunas and Costeira Highway (PD/VC) urbanization project marks the beginning of the Tourisms since 1979. The period in focus was 1979 to 2009. The tourism was dived into four major sections time: tourism in Natal before the Coastal Highway (1939-1979); Project Parque das Dunas / Coastal Highway to the first boom in domestic tourism (1979 - 1990); the internationalization of tourism (1991-2000) and, of first "boom" to "decline" of international tourism (2001-2009). Based on the historical evolution of the tourism were elected three different social processes, able to demonstrate how relations of social forces brought in space act on them and help shape the process of urbanization of the neighborhood in question: The removal of beach hut , the soccer field Botafogo Football Club and the skyscrapers . Finally, it should summarize the research identified interests and conflicts among the actors that form the thrust of spatial transformations: cultural conflicts resulting from the imposition of social practices that differ from the taste of native; clashes between different groups that reflect the duality between use value and exchange value; and interests in land values. In addition, demonstrated that the social relations that involve the production of the area are stimulated by deep-seated societal processes historically and camouflaged by market relations and a modern facade that the city has acquired in recent times; revealed that the actors are linked in networks to increase their influence and that this influence varies mainly according to economic and political power that they or their associates hold / Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo principal investigar de que modo ?s rela??es de for?a, operando nos processos sociais do turismo, t?m moldado a urbaniza??o do bairro de Ponta Negra, Natal, Estado do Rio Grande do Norte RN. O estudo parte do pressuposto de que a produ??o do espa?o resulta de fen?menos globais particularizados por for?as localizadas um processo de glocaliza??o. O l?cus de an?lise dessa investiga??o ? o bairro de Ponta Negra. Foram utilizados dados prim?rios e secund?rios e as informa??es foram tratadas atrav?s da t?cnica de an?lise de conte?do. A urbaniza??o de Ponta Negra est? inserida no contexto da reestrutura??o produtiva mundial deflagrada na d?cada de 1970. O projeto de urbaniza??o tur?stica do Parque das Dunas Via Costeira (PD/VC), marca a forma??o do Campo Tur?stico de Natal a partir de 1979. O recorte espacial contempla o per?odo que vai de 1979 at? 2009. A investiga??o hist?rica desse recorte permitiu dividir a trajet?ria do Turismo em Natal em quatro grandes recortes temporais: o turismo em Natal antes da Via Costeira (1939-1979); do Projeto Parque das Dunas/Via Costeira ao primeiro "boom" do turismo nacional (1979 - 1990); a internacionaliza??o do turismo em Natal (1991-2000) e; do primeiro boom ao decl?nio do turismo internacional (2001-2009). Com base na evolu??o hist?rica do turismo foram eleitos tr?s processos sociais diversos, capazes de demonstrar como as rela??es de for?as sociais interpostas no espa?o atuam sobre eles e contribuem para moldar o processo de urbaniza??o do bairro em quest?o: a retirada das barracas , o Campo do Botafogo Futebol Clube e os espig?es . Por fim, cumpre sintetizar que a pesquisa identificou interesses e conflitos entre os atores que formam o fio condutor das transforma??es espaciais: conflitos de ordem cultural resultantes da imposi??o de pr?ticas sociais que diferem do gosto dos nativos; enfrentamentos entre grupos distintos que refletem a dualidade entre o valor de uso e o valor de troca; e interesses de valoriza??o fundi?ria. Ademais, demonstrou que as rela??es sociais que implicam no processo de produ??o do espa?o s?o estimuladas por profundos processos societ?rios arraigados historicamente e camuflados por rela??es de mercado e por uma fachada moderna que a cidade tem adquirido nos ?ltimos tempos; revelou que os atores se articulam em redes para aumentar seu poder de influ?ncia e que essa influ?ncia oscila, principalmente, de acordo com o poder econ?mico e pol?tico que eles ou seus associados det?m