Brazil Abandons ‘Subnormal’ Term for Favelas in Recognition Shift

Brazil has decided to discontinue the use of the term “subnormal agglomerates” to refer to favelas, opting for “favelas and urban communities” instead. The change, announced by the National Statistics and geography institute (IBGE), reflects a significant shift away from a term viewed as stigmatizing and vague. The “subnormal” concept was associated with living conditions but was often misinterpreted as referring to the people themselves.

Additionally, the term “agglomerates” conveyed an image of overcrowded spaces, contrary to the reality of many consolidated neighborhoods built over generations with individual or collective investment. Advocacy groups praised the decision, emphasizing the need for more nuanced language to avoid devaluing large segments of society.