Community work or neighbourhood revitalization: a study of the cooperation between school, social services, and housing companies

Abstract

In several European cities, the residential areas built during the record years of the 1960s and 70s are now associated with decline, unemployment, and social unrest. To remedy this situation, schools, social services, and housing companies are collaborating with initiatives aimed at children and youth in these areas. The purpose of this study is to describe the conditions for the social efforts being made. The study is based on 17 semi-structured interviews with employees in schools, social services, and housing companies. The results show how the initiatives that are implemented become conditioned by the housing companies’ financial interests.