The relational side of urban segregation: extent and mechanisms of homophily in neighbourhood ties

This study examines homophily in neighborhood ties in France, defined as the tendency to establish ties with individuals similar to oneself. This perspective sheds light on segregation, social mixing, and social capital as enacted in everyday interactions. Drawing on survey data from 14 neighborhoods in Paris and Lyon, the study focuses on homophily based on gender, age, conjugal status, socio-occupational status, and place of birth. The findings reveal a high degree of homophily in neighborhood ties, shaped by both individual characteristics and neighborhood contexts. In socially mixed contexts, residents show stronger homophily by socio-occupational status and place of birth, suggesting increased selectivity. However, individual choice is only part of the picture: meeting opportunities also matter. While living close together increases diversity in gender, age, and place of birth, micro-segregation within buildings limits effects on socio-occupational homophily. Ties formed through school-related contacts tend to be more homophilic in terms of age, gender, and conjugal status, but similar to other ties regarding socio-occupational status and place of birth. Conversely, connections through condominium meetings or local associations foster socio-occupational homophily while bridging divides along other dimensions. These findings can inform policies to promote social mixing by emphasizing the relational structures of urban life.