Paul-Henry Chombart de Lauwe, sociologue urbain, chrétien, intellectuel et expert

Paul-Henry Chombart de Lauwe has now been forgotten in the french urban sociology. However, between 1950 and 1975, at a time of great upheaval in France, he enjoyed recognition for being both an intellectual and an expert in urban issues. Leader of a large research team, Chombart combined fundamental research with applied studies. He worked for the ethical reflection to be a central issue regarding the role of humans in contemporary cities as well as pragmatic advice for urban planners. He was first concerned with the working-class' lot, but then he tried with the people to pave a way to local democracy.