Nouvelles populations rurales et conflits au Québec : regards croisés avec la France et le Royaume-Uni

The sociodemographic redefinition of rural space is a recent phenomena in Québec compared to France and the United Kingdom. First, the author presents a brief historical overview of the related studies completed in Québec, followed by the results of an exploratory research which she undertook in a rural area of this province in 2003. Not only she notes the presence of tensions and conflicts amongst the diversified rural populations (recent and long-term residents), but she also observes cooperation and solidarity surrounding common issues. Considering the nature of these relationships, it is necessary to take into account the multiple interactions and dynamics which evolve with the transformations of the countryside. It is also essential to examine the new spaces likely to encourage sociocultural bond. In this article, the author compares the Québec situation with France and United Kingdom by underlining the most striking similarities and differences.