Desenvolvimento humano em Alagoas: uma análise espacial dos dados municipais

Abstract

The study of socio-spatial inequalities in the municipalities of Alagoas, through the FIRJAN Index and its components, proved to be of great importance in the pursuit of understanding the socioeconomic disparities in the state. The objective of this research is to analyze the spatial distribution of the FIRJAN Municipal Development Index (IFDM) and its dimensions in the municipalities of Alagoas from 2006 to 2016, using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) techniques, seeking to verify the existence of spatial dependence in the distribution of the FIRJAN Index and its possible causes. The research is justified by the fact that studying social indicators in a specific region offers a valuable opportunity to understand and address social issues. The results show that, in general, there was significant progress in the IFDM and its dimensions in the municipalities during the study period; however, this progress did not occur uniformly. Spatial statistical techniques highlighted disparities across the territory among Alagoas’ municipalities. The mappings allowed for the observation of patterns in the IFDM and its dimensions, providing important evidence of how municipal development is influenced by location—both in isolation and in relation to other areas. The results of this study can be interpreted as an initial step toward new research on spatial components and their influences on geographic space. It is also considered essential to identify and understand the socioeconomic factors that may influence both the IFDM and its dimensions, and how these factors vary among the municipalities of Alagoas, assisting public managers in the implementation and monitoring of public policies.