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Cohesive culture and integration in Chilean cities

Authors

  • Guillermo Wormald Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Carolina Flores Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Francisco Sabatini Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Maria Paz Trebilcock Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • Alejandra Rasse Figueroa Universidad Católica del Maule
Vol. 27 No. 76 (2012): Open Topic

Abstract

This research posits that the degree of spatial proximity and social contact among people sharing diverse socioeconomic levels defines social cohesion, that is to say, the norms and values that generate attitudes and behaviors conducive to the survival and development of a society. The main question of this article lies in the possibilities for the strengthening of social cohesion offered by a) current ways of integration and coexistence in different public and institutional spaces within the urban context; b)willingness to have a greater level of social contact; and c) the value given to the existing opportunities for contact. The hypothesis is that a society offering higher and valued contact opportunities among different groups would show a tendency to be more cohesive in a less conflictive context, so long as people take such opportunities. An exploratory qualitative approximation to families from different social backgrounds belonging to the Metropolitan Region of Santiago suggests a limited awareness of the experiences of those of different socio-economic backgrounds. Such heterogeneity occurs mostly in regulated public spaces, where contact may be expected to be uncomfortable and conflictive. This is why indifference appears as a predominant element. In this case, heterogeneity is the consequence of other decisions.

Author Biographies

Guillermo Wormald, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Sociologist, PhD in Sociology, University of Sussex, England. Full Professor, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Carolina Flores, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Sociologist, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, PhD in Public Policy, The University of Texas at Austin, United States. Researcher, Instituto de Sociología, Pontificia Universidad Católicade Chile.

Francisco Sabatini, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Sociologist, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, PhD in Urban Planning, University of California. Professor and Researcher, Instituto de Estudios Urbanos y Territoriales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Maria Paz Trebilcock, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Sociologist, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, MA in Sociology and Doctoral Candidate, Instituto de Sociología, Facultadde Ciencias Sociales, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Researcher, Instituto de Sociología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Alejandra Rasse Figueroa, Universidad Católica del Maule

Sociologist, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, MA in Sociology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, PhD in Architecture and Urban Studies, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Assistant Professor, Universidad Católica del Maule.

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How to Cite
Wormald, G., Flores, C., Sabatini, F., Trebilcock, M. P., & Rasse Figueroa, A. (2012). Cohesive culture and integration in Chilean cities. Revista INVI, 27(76), 117–145. Retrieved from https://revistainvi.uchile.cl/index.php/INVI/article/view/62512
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Revista INVI
Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo
Universidad de Chile
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