Fostering social cohesion at the neighbourhood scale: the role of two Social Streets in Ferrara and Verona

Abstract

Social cohesion is often regarded as a remedy for many societal problems, among which the increasing isolation and the crisis of public space in urban contexts. Focusing on the Social Street phenomenon as an alternative urbanity, this paper reflects on social cohesion at the neighbourhood scale, by analysing its cultural and political perspectives and taking into consideration the role of individuals, communities and institutions in fostering it. Participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups are applied to two cases of Social Street. Besides highlighting the enabling conditions for social cohesion, the results show the intertwining between the individual, community and institutional levels. These links are defined as reflexive interfaces, which are organized moments and places where different actors can meet, dialogue and negotiate, accepting the other participants’ interests, values and aims.