“I don’t intend to make friends among my neighbours”. The ideal of neighbourliness among residents of residential compounds

Abstract

Currently in the cities there is a gradual loss of collective feelings of belonging, rootedness and community among neighbours. However, residential compounds are an emerging model of urbanisation at a global level that could promote intra-neighbourhood rapprochement and interaction. In this paper we analyse the discourses of residents and non-residents of residential compounds. The results indicate that there is no desire to establish relationships with neighbours even in this type of residential compounds. There is a generalized ideal of neighbourliness based on cordiality (impersonal and respectful relationships). In addition, socio-economic homogeneity seems fundamental for understanding neighbourhood relations and the conflicts that arise.