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In France, during urban riots that occur for around forty years, many of the rioters attacked State symbols and destroyed public facilities. The incidents have continued unabated since the early 2000s even as public authorities provided huge resources to renovate disadvantaged urban areas. This article seeks to account for this apparent paradox. It argues that French public authorities have failed to take into consideration the local people’ desire for partnership and for social recognition thereby nurturing the resentment of large sections of the population.