Urban exodus and the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: reflecting transitions in contemporary lifestyles and their bioregional impact

Abstract

Urban exodus is a phenomenon that involves the exit of large urban centers towards towns or rural areas. It has different causes, usually related to dissatisfaction with the big city. It gained prominence with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, having been favored with the expansion of new technologies and home office. In this research, the phenomenon is studied in the theoretical scope and then is reflected from the analysis of the documentaries Where the essence of life lives (Onde mora a essência da vida, Davi Moura and Clara Moura, 2021), The human exodus (O êxodo humano, Helena Dias and Julia Ades, 2021) that address the flight from metropolises from and before the pandemic. It is observed that, after migration, there are several challenges that arise, including adaptation to the new rhythm of life and conflicts of interest. Analyzing the phenomenon constitutes an opportunity to reflect on contemporary ways of life and the search for strategies that are fairer to the environment, more generous to human routine, and socially healthier. This objective brings to the fore the bioregionalist vision, which will be strengthened by well-executed territorial planning.