Compulsory registration

The relational side of urban segregation

This study examines homophily in neighborhood ties in France, defined as the tendency to establish ties with individuals similar to oneself. Drawing on survey data from 14 neighborhoods in Paris and Lyon, the study focuses on homophily based on gender, age, conjugal status, socio-occupational status, and place of birth. The findings reveal a high degree of homophily in neighborhood ties, shaped by both individual characteristics and neighborhood contexts. In socially mixed contexts, residents show stronger homophily by socio-occupational status and place of birth, suggesting increased selectivity. However, individual choice is only part of the picture: meeting opportunities also matter. While living close together increases diversity in gender, age, and place of birth, micro-segregation within buildings limits effects on socio-occupational homophily. Ties formed through school-related contacts tend to be more homophilic in terms of age, gender, and conjugal status, but similar to other ties regarding socio-occupational status and place of birth. Conversely, connections through condominium meetings or local associations foster socio-occupational homophily while bridging divides along other dimensions. These findings can inform policies to promote social mixing by emphasizing the relational structures of urban life.

Speaker: Joanie Cayouette-Remblière

Joanie Cayouette-Remblière is a sociologist and researcher at INED (French National institute for demographic studies). Her research focuses on social mix, social ties, the recomposition of social classes, and educational trajectories. She coordinated the My Neighborhood, My Neighbors survey and recently published Ce que voisiner veut dire (PUF, 2025), co-authored with Jean-Yves Authier.

Discussant: Audrey Chamboredon, PhD Candidate in Sociology, CRIS, Sciences Po

Subscribe to our mailing list | For more information: citiesarebackintown@sciencespo.fr