Creative economy as a social technology approach: A case study in favela da Mangueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the characteristics of creative economies in favelas and their potential in terms of social development from a comparison between the theory on creative economy and the characteristics of the initiatives mapped in the Mangueira favelas. Design/methodology/approach The research was based on qualitative methodology and literature review. The creative economy initiatives were mapped in the territory of Mangueira and semi-structured interviews and questionnaire of closed questions were applied with the representatives of these. The data collected were treated with the content analysis method. Findings The research mapped 17 initiatives associated with creative economy sectors in the Mangueira favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The initiatives develop cultural and artistic activities that make the young people of the community aware of the history of their families, which promotes the strengthening of social ties and individual empowerment, contributing to local entrepreneurship. Practical implications The theory used in Brazil for the elaboration of public policies to promote the creative economy points to the presence of cultural and symbolic aspects in economic activities as resources for the generation of income. However, it is important to understand how this applies in different contexts, which may have or lack certain characteristics of human and physical capital pointed as essential by theory to creative economy promotion. Originality/value The results of this research go beyond the theory of creative economy and highlight characteristics of project management and impacts on social development that demonstrate how the dynamics of the creative economy in the Mangueira favelas also represent a case of social innovation using social technology tools.