Social Mix in Urban Policies in France: Practices and Effects

Since the 1990s, in the context of increasing social segregation, “social mix” has been regarded as an important principle of urban policies in France. This paper begins by clarifying the concept of social mix and the controversy over it, and then analyzes the mode of applying social mix through the case of SUR Law (loi Solidarité et Renouvellement Urbain) promulgated in 2000 and the National urban renovation program started in 2003, as well as the policy effects. In general, these polices promoted a more balanced distribution of social housing in urban spaces in France, and prevented a number of neighborhoods from continuously declining. Meanwhile, some empirical studies showed several negative effects, including the re-concentration of poor population in other neighbourhoods, the different degrees of integration among new residents as well as the discontent from original residents, etc.. Based on the French experience, implications are concluded for Chinese cities when facing residential and social segregation. 关键词: 社会混合;社会住房;城市更新;居住迁移;法国