Spatial life narratives in the Covid-19 context: reflections from the Ecuadorian rurality

This paper is the result of extensive work with an ethnographic scope, carried out during the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in the rural territory of El Valle, Cuenca (Ecuador). The objective of this research is to study the new social constructions of space and rural territory that have arisen during the lockup time from the everyday life spatial narratives of the population that mobilizes, uses, and configures El Valle. Conceptually, this research uses the lenses of social space theory and emotional geographies. The results suggest that due to the pandemic, the inhabitants were situated in a certain place, but community markets and health centers became mobile social spaces. Inhabitants of El Valle point out the importance of rural territories to keep sustainability in the city. Finally, the local people have maintained survival and solidarity strategies such as mobile minka, especially in spaces designated for them as of the community use.