Les adolescents et leur cité, dans les «quartiers»

Abstract

This article deals with the relationship between youths from ghettohousing estates and their neighbourhood. It emphasizes the sociological importance of the notion of territory in so far as it represents a primary dimension for their own identity. The author shows that there is a logical link and true identification with the neighbourhood, which appears as a place of sociability and solidarity for these youngsters. This specific binding between identity and territorial notion does not necessarily result in delinquency, it does not either imply the existence of gangs. Nevertheless, existing groups and behavioural features, connected to the territory and based on a coherent behaviour pattern and linguistic system, can be reported. In the relationship between boys and girls, the neighbourhood may be at stake as the public area is split into groups based on the age and the sexual roles. This article, then, demonstrates that the relationship between young people and their neighbourhood is dominated by a contradiction: this neighbourhood is at the same time a subject of protection and mobilisation but also a place where segregation and stigmatisation can be found.