The Sociology and Social Anthropology Seminar Series presents: Sonia Parella

Governance of migrant integration in Spain: The city of Barcelona as a paradigmatic case of inclusive city

Sonia Parella, Professor, Department of Sociology, Autonomous University of Barcelona

The session attempts to provide a basic overview of Spain’s approach to immigration management and integration measures implemented over the past two decades, with a specific focus on the case of Barcelona, as a good example of intercultural policies and practices. Concerning integration management, the absence of a standardised model in Spain has allowed pro-active authorities at the regional and local level to develop innovative integration instruments and initiatives that have led to positive outcomes and promoted social cohesion.  

The city of Barcelona, one of the major cultural and economic centres in southern Europe with a long tradition of migration, is a case in point. Despite some dynamics of exclusion and discrimination endured by migrant populations, which do pose significant challenges to social cohesion (especially regarding access to jobs and housing), Barcelona has successfully established a model of an “open city”, committed to embracing its cultural diversity and making it a cornerstone of its identity.

The Seminar Series

The Sociology and Social Anthropology Seminar Series (Allmänna seminariet) invites international and national researchers to present and discuss on-going research. Each presenter talks for about an hour, followed by about an hour's discussion.

Find more research seminars in this series at soc.lu.se/en/research.

All are welcome, especially students!