SPATIALIZATION AND INTERSECTIONALITY:

Senegalese imigrantes in Toledo (PR) (2014-2024)

Abstract

his paper investigates the experiences of Senegalese immigrants in Toledo, Paraná, with the aim of understanding the complex intersections between race, religion, identity, and contemporary migratory dynamics. The research is justified by the scarcity of studies that address the specificities of this community, traditionally invisible in the academic debate. The methodology adopted is qualitative, combining participant observation techniques, semi-structured interviews and the use of relief maps to identify settlement and mobility patterns. This approach made it possible to triangulate the data, integrating spatial, cultural and social information, from an intersectional perspective and migratory social capital. The results show that Senegalese face significant challenges of adaptation in a culturally diverse environment, marked by the dominant presence of European immigrants and the hegemony of Catholicism. Despite the barriers imposed by document regularization, discrimination and linguistic difficulties, community networks and cultural events, such as the "Grande Magal de Tuba", act as important mechanisms of resistance and identity preservation. The analysis also reveals the resilience of these migrants, who, through collective strategies and entrepreneurial initiatives, transform adversities into opportunities for integration and cultural affirmation. It is concluded that inclusive public policies and the strengthening of support networks are essential to overcome the identified vulnerabilities and promote an effective integration of Senegalese immigrants in Toledo, contributing to the diversity and socio-spatial development of the region.