Abstract

SANTOS, Gleidson Jordan dos; SANTOS, Larissa Medeiros Marinho dos; MARQUES, Laura Santana  and  RODRIGUES, Pedro Luiz Rocha. Investigating the Use and Appropriation of Squares in the Interior of Minas Gerais by Teenagers. Psicol. cienc. prof. [online]. 2025, vol.45, e276314.  Epub Mar 17, 2025. ISSN 1414-9893.  https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-3703003276314.

This study describes the results of an ecological insertion in public squares in inner Minas Gerais to observe and understand how teenagers appropriate these spaces and analyze the possibility of developing youth leadership. This research regularly visited the investigated locations and carried out semi-structured interviews with the young people involved. Findings show that, despite technological advancements and the virtualization of social relationships, it is still possible to identify the active presence of teenagers in the researched spaces. This contradicts the assumption that young people are increasingly distant from physical environments due to the dominance of virtual interactions. This study briefly discusses the intersectional issues that permeate the context of these young people, considering aspects such as gender, race, and social class. This approach enabled the understanding of the challenges they face appropriating these spaces. Another relevant aspect that emerged from this research refers to the lack of awareness among teenagers about the possibilities of youth leadership that could be developed by appropriating these places. This finding highlights the importance of promoting awareness and empowerment among young people so they can play an active role in transforming and using these environments. Therefore, these results stress the importance of valuing and encouraging the presence and participation of teenagers in public spaces, recognizing them as agents of change and promoters of youth leadership.

Keywords : Adolescence; Ecological Insertion; Environmental Psychology; Public Squares; Inland Cities.

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