Structures of Community Life in Portuguese Home-Villages: Two Case Studies

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the structures of community life in Portuguese Home-Villages and the consequences of an ageing demographic population; the need to implement home structures for the elderly and on how these can contribute to a revitalization of the depopulated territories. Last datas showed a concentration of the population in the metropolitan areas and a depopulation of the inland rural areas with resident ageing population – mostly in Alentejo-Algarve border. However, this could be perceived as an opportunity rather than a problem in dealing with depopulated villages. Two case studies were selected, the Home-Village of São José de Alcalar and Monte da Palhagueira, both located in the same rural region (Algarve). The characteristics of the urban and population structures were identified, and a comparison with similar structures already existent in other countries was established.A project of intervention was elaborated, aiming to revitalize the Monte do Pessegueiro – already depopulated.