Stigmatized Neighborhoods and Urban Violence : Case of the New Town Ali Mendjeli in Constantine

The current research topic falls within the issue of urban violence in Algerian society, particularly in new towns. This topic is important because it examines the representations and perceptions associated with new towns and their social spaces. We have chosen the new town of Ali Mendjeli in Constantine as our field of study in order to investigate the reality of stigmatized neighborhoods (i.e., neighborhoods marked by deviance, crime, etc.). Therefore, we believe that this subject deserves a thorough study within the proposed framework.

The city has become the focus of numerous studies that have attracted researchers and thinkers from various disciplines, especially due to rapid urban and demographic expansion and the accompanying economic, social, and cultural transformations. The Chicago School in the United States, during the second half of the 20th century, provided the theoretical framework and reference point for many current studies, including urban studies. However, the growth of cities has been accompanied by a rise in violence and crime in all its forms, to the point that the city and violence have become almost synonymous. Terms such as “urban violence” are often used in public discourse without a thorough social analysis or explanation of the phenomenon.

In Algeria, Constantine is one of the major urban centers that, over the past decade, has undergone extensive population relocation to the new town of Ali Mendjeli as part of social housing projects and the state strategy to eliminate peripheral slum neighborhoods. This was also aimed at reducing the acute housing crisis caused by demographic growth and internal migration. Today, the new town of Ali Mendjeli is experiencing rapid demographic growth and dynamic internal activity, with a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants.

However, in the early 2000s, the town faced issues related to social insecurity due to urban violence and violent conflicts between neighborhoods. Some experts highlighted the context of social insecurity and the lack of stability in these new neighborhoods, while residents expected improved social conditions in the new housing compared to the old neighborhoods. This highlighted the overlooked possibility of violence transferring from the old neighborhoods and the failure to consider it in the planning of mass relocations.

A major concern in the construction of new towns and unplanned relocation processes is the intensification of urban violence and inter-neighborhood conflicts, along with the spread of social problems and various societal issues. Consequently, the town acquires a negative stigma affecting social life, lifestyle, social integration of residents, and interactions among individuals. Some neighborhoods that experienced episodes of violence have acquired a social label reflecting the violence they endured, such as Neighborhood 14, Neighborhood 08 (nicknamed “New York”), Neighborhood 18, among others. These names continue to project a negative image of the neighborhood and its inhabitants, potentially contributing to the reproduction of urban violence.

The current study therefore aims to investigate the situation of stigmatized neighborhoods and their relationship to urban violence in general, as well as symbolic violence among residents, particularly the youth. The research questions include:

Can stigmatized neighborhoods be considered a source of production and reproduction of urban violence?What perceptions and representations do individuals have of these neighborhoods?What role do associations, neighborhood committees, and civil society play in restoring the value of the neighborhood and fostering social integration?How do sports clubs and cultural activities help reduce urban violence and prevent youth delinquency?Do stigmatized neighborhoods suffer from marginalization, particularly in terms of urban development and public facilities?What is the role of security institutions in ensuring social safety, and how have they impacted urban violence?

Project Objectives:Through this project, we aim to highlight the reality of stigmatized neighborhoods in the urban environment, identify the concentration and types of violence, understand the youth involved, and analyze the role of civil society (associations and sports clubs) in preventing violence. We will also examine the efforts toward social integration of residents and provide a realistic description of urban violence in the new town of Ali Mendjeli.

Long-term Objectives:The study will allow the publication of results within theCenter for Research in Social and CulturalAnthropology, Oran, and will open new avenues for research on cities and their issues.