MONEY AND POWER IN "CITY OF GOD": STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AND ITS SOCIAL DYNAMICS

Abstract

This article analyzes the representations of money and power in the novel City of God, by Paulo Lins, and how these elements structure social relations and violence in the favela. Through a narrative marked by omnipresent violence, Lins exposes the consequences of social inequality in Brazil, highlighting how money and power shape the dynamics of residents' lives. The study addresses how the pursuit of money is not limited to meeting basic needs, but extends to a quest for status and respect, while power is often exercised violently. The analysis is also based on sociological and psychological theories, such as those of Freud, which help to understand violence as a response to social exclusion and material deprivation. The article reflects on the implications of these issues for society and academia, suggesting that understanding these dynamics can guide public policies focused on social inclusion and reducing urban marginalization. Despite its contributions, the study has limitations, such as the thematic restriction on money and power, suggesting that future studies expand this analysis to other themes, such as race and gender, and explore comparisons with other urban realities.