When Pedestrians defy the city : crossing the street in Mexico City
In Mexico City, urban space is not configured to meet pedestrians’ needs. In daily commute, pedestrians must negotiate different physical barriers. When they cross the street, they must protect themselves from vehicles. In this way the intersection represents a major obstacle for the pedestrian. Consequently, an intersection is the place where the relationship between pedestrians and drivers manifests and reveals itself. From a socio-anthropolological standpoint, based on an empirical study, this article aims to examine a little-analyzed aspect of urban life in Mexico City: types of activity found in disputed public space.