Sociological &Ethnographic Studies
OUR PROJECTS
SOCIOLOGICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES TO DECODE SOCIETY AND ITS LOGICS, USES AND PRACTICES, STAKEHOLDER DYNAMICS AND IDENTITIES
A better understanding of social issues helps anticipate crises and conflicts
Taking into account the social dimension of a territory fosters the emergence of adapted solutions
Considering the diversity of sociological profiles promotes social justice.
- Analysis of social groups, their practices and needs
- Evaluations of public policies, mechanisms, action programs and projects
- Bibliographic research
- Diagnostics
- Action research
- Perception studies
- Social impact studies
- Service design
- Training
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & SOCIAL IMPACTS – DIAGNOSTIC DES BESOINS COMMUNAUTAIRES
Trident Energy Congo
CONGO / 2025
AnthropoLinks conducted a participatory study to analyze social and cultural dynamics in the Kouilou and Pointe-Noire departments, identifying priority community needs to design adapted initiatives in education, health-sanitation, livelihoods and biodiversity.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – SUPPORT MEASURES ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ISSUES
Compagnie industrielle du bois
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO / 2019-2021/2023
CIB has been a major actor of social, economic and environmental transformation in northern Congo for decades. Among the populations living on and around these territories, those recognized as indigenous represented over 20% of the area’s population in 2004. Today, after years of CIB actions in favor of these populations, results remain below expectations. Many difficulties persist. In this context, CIB called on AnthropoLinks to propose different approaches and develop new action paths for indigenous peoples.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & FOOD – SURVEY ON THE EFFECTS OF THE URBAN FARM PROJECT IN THE LA NOUE NEIGHBORHOOD IN MONTREUIL
FRANCE (Montreuil) / 2023
As part of its urban farm project, the association On Sème Tous wanted to conduct an initial sociological study and build a methodology to monitor its impacts. AnthropoLinks intervened to design indicators and survey tools and carry out the first evaluation. The survey focused on residents’ eating habits and their perception of the project. The results will help the association better meet residents’ needs and constraints and assess the project’s impact on eating behaviors and environmental perception.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & ENVIRONMENT – SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF MUNICIPAL BIODIVERSITY ATLASES (ABC) IN THE PERSEIGNE TERRITORY
Parc naturel régional de Normandie-Maine / Office français de la biodiversité (OFB)
FRANCE (Normandie) / 2021-2023
In partnership with the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, the Perseigne territory launched the creation of a municipal biodiversity atlas (ABC). The main goal of ABCs is to better understand local animal and plant species and identify conservation challenges. Beyond expert inventories, resident contributions are highly expected. The PNRNM entrusted AnthropoLinks with a perception survey among residents. This study will serve as a basis for initiatives promoting biodiversity.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE SUPPORT MISSION FOR CONSERVATION AND STABILIZATION OF THE KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK (PNKB)
Agence française de développement (AFD)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) / 2022-2023
Since its creation, PNKB has been the scene of conflicts. The international community accuses human rights violations. Tensions also arise from recognition of customary and usage rights of indigenous populations previously expelled. Armed militia intrusions are reported (PNKB spans three conflict-ridden provinces). There are also abuses targeting Batwa indigenous populations living near the park. In this highly sensitive context, AFD proposes a project where the social component takes precedence to contribute to PNKB stabilization.
HERITAGE – ETHNOGRAPHIC MISSION FOR HERITAGE ENHANCEMENT OF THE PRAE MICHEL CHEVALIER SITE AT BOSC
SEM ARAC OCCITANIE
FRANCE (Lodève) / 2020-2021
An ethnographic study was conducted on uranium exploitation in Lodévois. It started from the observation that this industrial and mining past, which once brought economic wealth to the region, is now unknown, forgotten, or even demonized. Consequently, efforts to give the site a second life are hindered. This study aimed to document the site’s history and environment, based on archive research and memory collection.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & ENVIRONMENT – CAREENING PRACTICES AND EVOLUTION PERSPECTIVES FOR LEISURE BOATING USERS IN THE ARCACHON BASIN
Parc naturel marin du Bassin d’Arcachon (PNMBA) / Office français de la biodiversité (OFB)
FRANCE (Bassin d’Arcachon) / 2020-2021
The Arcachon Basin Marine Nature Park seeks alternatives to the widespread use of antifouling paints during boat careening, which are harmful to the environment. AnthropoLinks conducted a large survey among leisure boating users on their careening practices. We developed a dual approach: an online/paper questionnaire and a series of interviews with a representative sample of boaters. Understanding expectations, uses, and constraints will help design alternative solutions with boating professionals.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & PRECARITY – ÉTUDE SOCIOLOGIQUE PORTANT SUR L’AVANCÉE EN AGE
EDF
FRANCE / 2019
The goal of this sociological study was twofold: to better understand the implications of aging and loss of autonomy for elderly people, particularly in precarious contexts, and to explore notions of privacy, social support, autonomy, and vulnerability among elderly individuals and their caregivers.
HERITAGE – MAPPING THE CAPACITIES OF OPUS LABORATORIES IN THE FIELD OF HERITAGE LABELING
Sorbonne Universités
FRANCE / 2018-2019
This sociological survey aimed to help structure the skills of the Observatoire des Patrimoines de Sorbonne Universités (OPUS) laboratories in the field of heritage labeling. It also included mapping stakeholder dynamics and researcher capacities. The mission concluded with four collective work sessions.
URBAN PLANNING – SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY ON RESIDENTS’ USES AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE TERRITORY
Ville de Brionne / EPF Normandie / CAUE (27) / Degré Zéro / Chaudronneries / J. Fournier
FRANCE (Brionne) / 2018-2019
The project took place as part of the reconversion of the Delaporte/Siret brownfield and the requalification of the entire territory. The sociological study aimed to reveal the vision and the connection that residents and stakeholders maintain with their city. It also sought to identify and highlight the knowledge and expertise of local actors. The approach developed was also intended to build a method for mobilizing and working collectively.
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES & FOOD – FOOD PRACTICES AND ACCESS TO ANIMAL PROTEINS
APDRA / INADER / AFD
GUINEA / 2017-2018
This study consisted of analyzing food practices and access to animal proteins. It was carried out within the framework of a program to improve food security and fight poverty in Forest Guinea (PDRP-GF, 2012–2017). It was based on the observation that the extension of the PDRP-GF intervention area to four prefectures had considerably diversified intervention contexts, in agro-ecological, socio-economic, and cultural dimensions. Consequently, a great diversity of food practices was expected across the intervention zone. Interventions therefore had to adapt to local situations to meet needs. This is why INADER, as project manager for APDRA, commissioned the SCOP AnthropoLinks to conduct this study.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & PRECARITY – SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY ON HOME CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH LOSS OF AUTONOMY
EDF / Vitaris
FRANCE / 2017-2018
AnthropoLinks participated in this sociological survey aimed at better understanding what loss of autonomy means and entails for elderly people. In this context, innovative approaches were identified to enable home care for these individuals.
URBAN PLANNING – USES OF GEORGES VALBON PARK AND PARTICIPATION
Maison des Suds / Département Seine-Saint-Denis / DRAC / Parc Georges Valbon
FRANCE (Dugny, Stains) / 2017
This mission was carried out as part of the 2016–2020 Parks Plan. The objective was to consider possible evolutions of park services to meet changing uses and needs. It also aimed to address issues of protection and appropriation of remarkable biodiversity by users. Maison des Suds called on AnthropoLinks to deal with the complexity of the socio-cultural context. We implemented a participatory and co-production approach with residents, which ultimately allowed us to identify current and future uses of the park.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES – CULTURAL PRACTICES OF JURASSIAN RESIDENTS AND TEENAGERS
SMAU
FRANCE, SWITZERLAND / 2014-2016
The study aimed to assess the effects of cultural policy to improve access to culture and fight social inequalities. AnthropoLinks was commissioned to conduct a sociological study and analyze cultural practices of Jurassian residents. We also evaluated the cultural offer, measuring the space of practices and cultural consumption, as well as effects on mobility and the impact of digital technology. The study was based on qualitative and quantitative surveys with adults, teenagers, professionals, and institutions.
HEALTH SITUATION, LEVERS AND OBSTACLES TO SANITATION PROJECTS
PSI
BENIN, GHANA, IVORY COAST / 2016
We carried out an assessment of the health situation in Benin, Ghana, and Ivory Coast through an in-depth literature review. This approach identified key sociological, cultural, and organizational obstacles and levers in urban sanitation projects. We analyzed practices and social representations related to sanitation, described and analyzed land tenure systems in the three countries, examining statutory and customary law and their impact on housing and residential status, particularly their effect on sanitation. We also identified and analyzed traditional financing forms and microcredit, assessing their adaptability to the sanitation sector.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & URBAN PLANNING – APPROPRIATION MODES OF RENOVATED SOCIAL HOUSING AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION PRACTICES
Association Régionale pour l’Habitat / CEREMA, la DREAL / Région Haut de France
FRANCE (Nord-Pas-de-Calais) / 2014-2016
In France, one of the main objectives to fight climate change is to reduce building energy consumption. The first urban project is often the rehabilitation of social housing, central to ecological and environmental concerns. AnthropoLinks conducted a sociological survey to understand how tenants appropriate renovated housing. We also identified the effects of policy on energy consumption practices and evaluated perceptions of public actions implemented in this context.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES – EVALUATION OF THE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM REHABILITATION PROJECT
VSI-Afrique / REGIDESO RDCongo / IGIP
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) / 2014-2015
This mission was part of the project to rehabilitate drinking water supply systems in secondary centers in DRC (funded by KFW for REGIDESO). The IGIP-VSI Afrique consortium was responsible for conducting a baseline study to measure indicators for future project evaluation. VSI-Afrique called on AnthropoLinks for methodological expertise on measuring and analyzing social indicators.
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES & HERITAGE – WINE HERITAGE OF HÉRAULT
Pays Coeur d’Hérault
FRANCE (Hérault / 2014)
Our approach consisted of collecting memories and conducting interviews with professionals and local institutional partners. This allowed us to inventory heritage by creating a typology of key elements. This process also formed the basis for a shared diagnosis to develop a wine tourism policy.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDIES & ENVIRONMENT – IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT PLAN IN IGLIT-BACO PARK
Noé Conservation / DENR / AFD / MNHN
PHILIPPINES / 2014
This study aimed to contribute to reflections on land and natural resource management strategies in the Philippines. It was part of the implementation of a new co-management system for Iglit-Baco Park. We also considered the global political and economic context of Mindoro Island: recognition of local know-how and ancestral domains; mining exploitation; protection of the tamaraw and anti-poaching efforts; claims for access to natural resources by non-indigenous populations, etc.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDIES & LOCAL KNOWLEDGE – TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE: FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF BENEFITS FROM THE USE OF GENETIC RESOURCES
GIZ / Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
FRANCE, BENIN, CAMEROON, SENEGAL / 2013
It is essential to address traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices associated with genetic resources in all their complexity. For this purpose, MNHN was commissioned to carry out an inventory of sources of traditional knowledge in West and Central Africa. The study ultimately consisted of two components: on one hand, an inventory of in-situ sources entrusted to AnthropoLinks; on the other hand, an inventory of ex-situ sources of knowledge from West and Central African countries managed by MNHN.
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES & FOOD – PRACTICES SURROUNDING LOCAL ROOIBOS PRODUCTION
Compagnie de Trucy
SOUTH AFRICA / 2013
As part of a commercial valorization initiative, we conducted a sociological and anthropological study of the Rooibos sector. We also identified stakeholder dynamics and carried out an in-depth analysis of perceptions and practices associated with this sector.
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES & FOOD – PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF CÉVENNES SWEET ONION
Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle
FRANCE (Cévennes gardoises) / 2006-2010
This ethnographic, sociological, and historical study focused on the Cévennes sweet onion sector. We identified stakeholder dynamics and conducted an in-depth study of the social, socio-economic, and technical organization of sweet onion marketing.
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES & FOOD – PRODUCTION OF ENDEMIC AND CULTURAL RICE: TINAWON
Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle / Académie d’Agriculture de France
PHILIPPINES / 2008-2010
As part of a research project, an ethnographic study was conducted on the development of the Tinawon rice sector. We analyzed representations and practices associated with Tinawon production and examined the organization and functioning of Ifugao indigenous communities.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES & URBAN PLANNING – RESIDENTS’ USES AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE GRÉSILLONS NEIGHBORHOOD
Sors de Terre / Mairie de Genevilliers
FRANCE (Genevilliers) / 2010
AnthropoLinks conducted a sociological study on the uses and perceptions of residents in the Grésillons neighborhood of Gennevilliers. The results were intended to support the redevelopment of an abandoned space.