Résumé
1)Research QuestionsThis paper examines the silent restructuring of services provision in the foundational economy (education, health) in areas hit by deindustrialization and austerity policies. It focuses on the rise of third-party stakeholders such as NGOs and associations: are they purely and simply replacing failing public stakeholders? Or are they pursuing different objectives and thus cover different needs? This possible restructuring of the supply should be seen in the light of the ambivalence of demand in Left-Behind Places, whose population is experiencing contrasting dynamics: a poverty trap for "those who stay", but also a margin of opportunity for new comers seeking a way to "live differently". 2) Methods usedOur methodology is empirical and qualitative, based on a case study of a small French town, Quillan (3,100 inhabitants). In a peripheral location in the South of France (hard to access valley), this city is affected by the closure of its furniture and hat factories. It is also at the heart of a region that has long welcomed people with alternative aspirations. The on-going case study is based on grey literature (reports, urban planning documents) and semi-directive interviews with institutional players (local authorities) and third-party players (NGOs, associations).3) Findings or Anticipated OutcomesOur hypothesis is that this restructuring of players leads to a segmentation of the offer, at the risk of widening inequalities within the population - those who are captive to a failing public offer and those with the capital - cultural and economic - necessary to seek other services outside the territory in case of need (illness not covered by alternative medicine, specific school curriculum for instance).