Vagrancy and marginalisation in the Greater Paris - Grand Paris - Socio-historical and urbanistic approach
Homeless people are found in most big cities. Although the Grand Paris Metropolis concentrates a large part of the national wealth, it is also one of the areas with the largest and most visible homeless population. They form a heterogenous group, including people living in the street, families staying in hotels, young and elderly people living in the street, women victims of violence, poor workers living at another person's home, etc.
Although it doesn't officially fall within a category of public action, the term vagrancy is frequently used by professionals of the social sector when referring to these diverse situations. This study endeavours to analyse who these "wandering populations" are in Grand Paris, what forms their presence takes in urban space and what public policies are being implemented in response. It takes a comprehensive, territorial approach that is complementary to work already carried out.
The study is structured into three parts. The first covers the institutional and social history of public policies dealing with vagrancy from the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century: accommodation, social and adapted housing, policies to eradicate informal settlements and camps, assistance and social welfare policies etc. The second part presents an analysis of the situations and the geography of vagrant people in 2025 in Grand Paris and recent developments. The third describes the currents policies for urban development, housing, temporary accommodation and social action provided for these populations. The conclusion takes into consideration a selection of informative elements revealed by the study and some lines of thought for the Grand Paris area.
