Reinventing neighbor relations in a participatory public housing management scheme: From managerial constraints to resident (de)mobilization

This article examines a participatory device introduced by a social landlord, in conjunction with a social engineering firm and, in some cases, a property developer. Reproduced on a national scale, this new-generation device was designed to foster dialogue and strengthen social ties, with a focus on encouraging resident action by providing them with meeting spaces and support in organizing themselves collectively. Through qualitative surveys conducted in two public housing estates, this research shows how “good neighbor” injunctions and other management-related constraints, affecting those in charge of the device, lead to the demobilization of residents who do not adhere to expected forms of participation.