French Urban Sociology

Abstract

This article presents a synopsis of French urban studies, now in crisis after 10 years of exceptional expansion (1968-1978), due to the rhythm of urban growth, the setting up of many research teams, and the amount of data actually analyzed. The critical reappraisal of their own work has led researchers to question the emphasis placed on economic and political factors in the explanation of urban phenomena and in the approach whereby a single frame of reference (predominantly Marxist) was used to analyze every aspect of urban reality. Many urban sociologists are now moving away from general objects of study toward microsociology. They are concentrating more on the modes of life of specific social groups and this change of focus has also led to new theoretical points of view. The article explores the potential results of the new approach.