Together but not mixed. Social integration processes in residential frontiers among different income households

Abstract

Negative consequences of residential segregation are well known. However,
little has been said about the results of proximity among different income households.
Different studies have arrived at varying conclusions: in some research proximity appearsÍ as a different expression of exclusion; in others, residential proximity emerges as anÍ opportunity for integration among low-income households. The aim of this study is to addÍ to this debate by analyzing the social dynamics underlying residential proximity. ThroughÍ qualitative case studies, this work concludes that proximity is related to both dynamics ofÍ social inclusion for low income residents, and to the reinforcement of social cohesion. SuchÍ positive effects are possible because proximity clearly shows a shared belonging to a socialÍ project of mobility. However, this common project and its positive effects become weakerÍ when social distance is too large, and in cases with a history of violence.