Guillaume Erner is a sociologist, specialist in the sociology of beliefs, trends and consumption habits. He is a columnist on France Inter, and he has decided to take part in the organisation of this year’s convention. He explains why!
Why has a sociologist decided to take part in the preparation and organisation of an event such as the convention for welcoming new inhabitants?
I decided to take part in the organisation of this event so that the different aspects of the chosen theme would be based on research and opinions that are present in the domain of human science.
I attended the convention in 2006 as a speaker and I was particularly interested in the projects and discussions among those involved in territorial development, and who aimed to open up territories in France and elsewhere in Europe.
.Many believed that “territorial development” was a solid science which had all the answers. It is impossible to avoid the importance of infrastructures and constructions; however regions have other alternatives to open up to the outside world.
The public already has fixed opinions about territories which consequently influences their appeal. Sociologists, marketing and communication specialists, as well as anthropologists are currently discussing these facts.
Nowadays a territory’s future also depends on the image it represents, its historical background and its mythology.
Why is it important to organise an event based on these changes?
Numerous people are currently working on these questions. Throughout Europe politicans searching for answers, local community workers have included this new aspect into their projects. They take advice from researchers, academics and experts in numerous subjects. These measures become reality and are linked together. An attitude adopted by a territory depends on the current changes which are accelerated globally speaking.
It is no longer possible to integrate the vast selection of information without regularly meeting to share experiences and studies …If an event such as the convention did not exist, we would have to create one.
Is the flow of incoming and outgoing inhabitants an essential factor for territories?
It is not necessary to refer back to Montesquieu or Adam Smith, we know that a territory’s population makes it strong, in terms of both numbers and in quality. Nowadays a territory’s decline or progress is based on its population rather than its wealth or its agricultural capacities. Japan and Dubai ( without giving any judgement about them or their development methods) are good examples of countries that have developed in Asia.
The American town planning specialist and academic, Richard Florida believes that there is a link between the presence of “the Creative Class” in large towns, and economic development. People from the “Creative Class” are attracted to certain territories, which consequentially increases their appeal. This creates an ever ending circle; talent attracts talent, as well as businesses, capital and services.
This concept will be discussed during the convention; however it is only part of the equation. New inhabitants are essential. It is important to understand, anticipate population movements, and to aim to support them, in order to attract them to a certain territory. Territories are competitive; however they should share the same apprehension of trends in order to select their own strategies. The European convention in Clermont Ferrand will tackle this subject!
The event will attract experts,but what about the general public?
The media is obviously not involved in decisions about constructions in a territory; however it does play an important and mediatory role.
Everyone is affected by their territory’s future; even if some intend to live in another area. The convention in Clermont Ferrand will tackle issues that concern the general public. It is not a random fact that some regions become vulnerable while others progress. There is a great deal of movement, some regions are happy to put up with it, while others try to anticipate and try to respond to changes.
The future life of populations everywhere will therefore be discussed during the three day event.
Individuals are mobile, and there has been an increase in mobility due to family or professional obligations. Society is constantly changing because of individual mobility: recomposed families, social networks, chosen or enforced mobility because of successive recessions, the speed of action and the excess of information, the lack of time, need for more space, stress management….territories have to adapt to the consequences! They have to propose welcome policies which comply with the current changes.
Is the convention program already available?
During the convention we will take check of the major changes at the moment which determine population migration. For example for the past three/four years, everyone has been talking about sustainable development. The term has become common; however what are the consequences of the territorial development strategies which are based on the use of cars? This is an interesting subject! Globalisation, global warming in general and the emergence of some significant trends will provoke some definite changes in our territories. This will be our main theme.
Who are the speakers, which experts will lead discussions?
As every edition, there will be numerous renowned speakers; however I will only mention some of them.
The economist Daniel Cohen will explain the consequences of the economic crisis in the near future on our territories. Bernard Guetta who is an expert in geo- politics will explain the determining factors that influence population movements on international level, and which cause consequences on our territories and other European regions.
The demographer, Hervé Le Bras will also be present. He is a specialist in social history and demography, and has always challenged preconceived ideas about the French population.
Charles Berdugo will also attend the convention. He promoted ma.Résidence.fr, the first local social network based on accommodation, and the art of living together in districts.
There will be many others, because the convention aims to give numerous explanations on the chosen theme and encourage exchanges.
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