Social housing in Brazil

Challenges of Urban Insertion and Contributions to a Sustainable and Inclusive Urbanism

Abstract

Objective – To analyze the challenges of the location of Social Housing (SH) projects in Brazil.

Methodology – The study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) according to the PRISMA 2020 protocol, combined with content analysis. The search was carried out in the Web of Science and SciELO databases, resulting in 30 records, of which 14 composed the final corpus after screening with the Rayyan software.

Originality/Relevance This study is original in consolidating dispersed evidence on the influence of SH location on urban integration, highlighting the role of qualified insertion as a guiding principle of housing policies. Its academic relevance lies in situating the housing debate within the field of sustainable urbanism, articulating socio-spatial justice, the right to the city, and urban planning.

Results – The review shows that the predominance of peripheral projects reinforces socio-spatial segregation, increases social and economic costs, and amplifies environmental vulnerabilities. In contrast, experiences of qualified insertion, in central or well-connected areas, demonstrate greater potential for social inclusion, accessibility, and quality of life.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study advances the critical systematization of the literature on SH, articulating frameworks of the right to the city and socio-spatial justice through an SLR. It also offers analytical categories useful for further investigations on housing policies and sustainable urban planning.

Social and Environmental Contributions – The findings reinforce the need to overcome the peripheral logic of housing policies, integrating SH production into urban planning, mobility, and environmental management. In this way, SH can be consolidated as an instrument of social inclusion, citizenship, and sustainability, aligned with SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.