The Allure of “Home”: Experts to Discuss Shifting Trends in Rural and Urban Living
Table of Contents
A free public forum at the Virginia Woolf Media Library in Paris on January 22, 2026, will explore the growing phenomenon of individuals reassessing their relationship with urban and rural spaces. The event will feature insights from leading thinkers on the motivations driving this shift, and the societal implications of these evolving preferences.
A Return to Roots? Examining the “Returners”
Recent years have witnessed a notable trend: individuals who spent significant portions of their lives in large metropolises are choosing to return to their regions of origin. This movement isn’t simply nostalgia, but a complex response to factors like cost of living, work-life balance, and a desire for stronger community ties. Pauline Rochart, author of the 2025 book “Those who return” published by Payot, has extensively researched this phenomenon. Her work delves into the personal and societal forces driving this return, offering a nuanced understanding of the motivations behind it.
The Resilience of Rural Communities: Why Some Stay
Conversely, the question of why some individuals choose to remain in rural environments, despite potential economic or social challenges, is equally compelling. Sociologist Benoît Coquard, author of the 2019 book “Those who stay” published by La Découverte, specializes in the study of rural environments and working classes. His research examines the factors that contribute to the resilience of rural communities and the reasons why young people, in particular, opt to build their lives outside of major urban centers.
A Roundtable Discussion: Bridging the Divide
As part of the “Thursdays in the news” series, Rochart and Coquard will participate in a round table discussion on the theme of Rural spaces / Urban spaces at the Virginia Woolf Media Library on January 22, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public, welcoming young people and adults aged 12 and older, and requires no reservation.
The discussion promises to offer a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between these two distinct environments. It will likely address the economic, social, and cultural factors shaping these trends, and consider the potential implications for urban planning, regional development, and the future of community life.
Event Details
- Date: January 22, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Virginia Woolf Media Library, 4 rue Germaine Krull, 75013 Paris
- Contact: +33144081271, [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Médiathèque-Virginia-Woolf-100095232668975/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Médiathèque-Virginia-Woolf-100095232668975/
This event offers a timely opportunity to engage with leading experts and explore the evolving relationship between rural and urban life, a conversation increasingly relevant in a rapidly changing world.
