The quality of life concept in Jurerê internacional territorial development

To understand the progress of nations isn’t a recent task, scholars of distant dates were concerned with this mission. The understanding that particular aspects of the places are crucial factors in their success of its development, revealing the importance of the territorial notion. Thus, the territory appears as a central element of some economic sociology approaches that understand the development through the analysis of the territories. In front of the latest concept of territorial development, this research intent to understand the formation of an internationally known territory: Jurerê Internacional, in the north of the island of Florianópolis (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Jurerê assume a distinct status beside conventional beaches because of its quality of living pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the historical process of setting the territory of Jurerê Internacional and to identify the notion of quality of life for its residents. To this end, we analyzed the neighborhood newspaper that is bimonthly published by the Association of Residents of Jurerê Internacional (AJIN), considering samples of 2001 and 2011, comprising an interval of ten years. Through the cross-sectional analysis performed in this study, the concept of quality of life that emerges can be summarized in two broad categories: order and tranquility. To sustain these categories, the AJIN directs several actions to promote discipline, safety, preservation of culture, preservation of the space, actions of partnerships and performance of the state. Finally, we find that this is a dense and complex territory where diverse interests are manifested, being the defense of the privileged stronghold a common goal. Jurerê Internacional was formed to serve the interests of an economically privileged minority. This characteristic suggests a form of highly endogenous development as evidenced by exclusiveness required by the actors. We can only ask: development for whom?