An exploratory study designed to analyze the evolution of neighborhood movements in Rio de Janeiro City (Brazil) focuses on actions related to the struggle for public schools. The effort seeks to determine the degree of political autonomy of the neighborhood associations and the nature of the educational demands and their relationship with the ideology that underlay the movements. Using an oral history approach, interviewees were selected among the presidents and former presidents of the existing slum and neighborhood associations. Analysis of the first neighborhood movements for public education illustrates a strategy modeled on a poorly politicized population using a traditional patronage format (votes for school buildings). A second phase beginning in 1983 involves a more autonomous structure and a new belief that the state had a duty to provide and maintain educational services. Assessment of results of the organizations' fights shows effects that were insignificant compared to the efforts involved. However, the process helps citizens to learn their duties as well as civil rights. The study concludes that these social movements emerged from the serious deprivation generated by great economic deprivation. However, their development is possible only with the declining strength of the military regime. Statistical data are presented in one table. Eight references are included. (JB)