Cultural diversification and urban dualism: micropublics, sociability and inequality in the city of Zaragoza

Abstract

How are discourses around cultural diversity and neighbourhood relations articulated in Zaragoza? Medium-sized cities face a cycle of socio-spatial segregation sustained by narratives on “new cultural conflicts”; at the same time, certain spaces and situations potentially favourable to social contact and participation gain visibility. The results show a link between perceptions of space and variables such as income level, place of origin or spatial location. On the one hand, the most socially active neighbours attribute responsibility for improving coexistence to local authorities. On the other hand, the informal participation of the young population prioritises the creation of meeting spaces "from below", which must not neglect inequality as a determining factor. This is the key that remains in permanent tension with multiculturalism, by shaping the notion of coexistence through its most reductionist and securitarian biases.