Within LESC, Delphine Durand Sall explored habitat in Guet Ndar, revealing gender and kinship dynamics.
Delphine Durand Sall, researcher at LESC (Université Paris Nanterre).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Milieux, cultures et sociétés du passé et du présent.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The ethnographic study conducted in Guet Ndar, a fishing neighborhood in Saint-Louis, Senegal, highlights complex social dynamics that deserve in-depth exploration. Through the observation of daily interactions, the author reveals how kinship and gender relations structure not only the domestic space but also the social fabric of this community. In this context, women, as key actors, play a central role in the creation and organization of cohabitation networks. Their sociability and interactions shape not only the homes but also the alleys and community spaces, thus transforming Guet Ndar into a true microcosm of Wolof society.
The results of this research emphasize that living in Guet Ndar is not limited to the mere occupation of a physical space. It is a social construction where affinity and kinship relations influence power dynamics and solidarity. Men, often distant, gather in separate spaces, such as taverns or fishing spots, while women occupy the heart of community life, taking care of children, household tasks, and selling local products. This gender separation raises crucial questions about equality and the distribution of roles within Wolof society, particularly regarding access to resources and community decisions.
It is interesting to note that this gender dynamic is not fixed. For example, some women take initiatives to engage in economic activities, such as creating fishing cooperatives or processing fish products. These initiatives show that women, although often relegated to traditional roles, are beginning to claim a more active place in the local economy. This raises questions about the evolution of gender roles and how these changes may influence power structures within the community.
The thesis also addresses the issue of submersion due to climate change, a crucial concern for the residents of Guet Ndar. The threat of rising waters makes the question of space even more pressing. How do residents adapt to this reality? What strategies do they implement to preserve their way of life? These inquiries are at the heart of the author's analysis, which proposes a reflection on the resilience of communities in the face of environmental challenges.
The residents of Guet Ndar have developed various adaptation strategies, ranging from the construction of dikes to the establishment of drainage systems to prevent flooding. Moreover, solidarity among neighbors becomes essential in these moments of crisis, thereby strengthening community ties. This collective resilience is a testament to the ability of populations to face growing environmental challenges while preserving their cultural and social identity.
In summary, this research offers a unique perspective on social organization in a challenging urban and environmental context. It invites a rethinking of the notions of habitat and community, integrating the dimensions of gender and kinship. The results of this thesis could have significant implications for public policies, particularly in urban planning and resource management in coastal areas.
It is crucial for decision-makers to take these social dynamics into account in urban planning to create spaces that promote inclusion and participation of all community members. By integrating women's voices and recognizing their central role, public policies can contribute to better resource management and greater resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Thus, the study of Guet Ndar is not limited to a simple local analysis but is part of a broader debate on sustainability and equity in coastal societies of West Africa.
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Sources and Access
Delphine Durand Sall. L’habiter à Guet Ndar : espace, genre et parenté dans un quartier de pêcheurs Wolof à Saint-Louis (Sénégal). Sociologie. Université de Nanterre - Paris X, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025PA100078⟩. ⟨tel-05689203⟩