The ‘old’ and ‘new’ forms of inequality: The case of Portugal

Marginal territories are usually characterized by a poorer quality of life and by scarcity and inadequate utilization of resources. These are territories where there is an increasing amount of social conflict, which sets these areas apart from the general system of ‘normal standards’ of life in the society. Globalization has created difficulties that have accentuated the tendency to social and economic inequity that is a feature in many countries, including Portugal. Portugal has been experiencing a visible evolution, in terms of both development and economic, social, political and cultural expansion. The intention of this text is to show how Portugal, although integrated in the developed bloc that is the European Union, nevertheless displays economic, social and cultural indicators that are territorially well-defined in such a way that they could be regarded as marginal areas. Social disintegration conceals the points of reference, fragments social groups, creating differences among those who were formerly alike.