Major Social Issues in Barcelona
While Barcelona is a flouring and beautiful city, similar to almost any region, it is inclusive of various social issues. The main social issues in Barcelona include immigration, homelessness linked to economic struggles, as well as poverty. Although unfortunately the list seems to go on, these are the main difficulties Barcelona has been faced with. Immigration is a large issue in Barcelona as the images to the right indicate. The images display the number of registered immigrants in Barcelona and the immigration in Barcelona per continent. As a result of a financial crisis in Barcelona, homelessness sadly became common. However, while many would expect to find a rapidly rising number of people living in the city streets, it has remained somewhat consistent. On any given night, approximately 1,500 people in Barcelona experience homelessness, only about 5% more than in the year of 2008. Barcelona, being the innovative and problem-solving city it is, works hard to design alternatives for those who do not have family on which to rely on. In such respects, Barcelona worked toward social inclusion by having professionals in the streets each day, identifying homeless people in the initial phases of their problems. Many claim that this is the difference between the flourishing Barcelona and other cities. Lastly, while the beautiful Barcelona is a top vacation spot for many European and international tourists, residents are nevertheless accustomed to the effects of poverty in this nation. In Barcelona, signs of troubled economy are present. For example, public transportation fees on the city's most popular travel card have increased five percent in the year of 2014. Additionally, a number of different slums can be found in and around the city. Degraded housing in the center of an old city, shantytown housing, multi-family residential block are common throughout the city's poorest areas. For years, Barcelona has been a witness to high unemployment rates coupled with significant immigration movements. A significant number of Barcelona residents survive off of less than 1,000 euros a month, or roughly $1,300. Overall, while Barcelona is an incredible city, it goes through periods of various social struggles inclusive of many issues other nations face as well. |
The Number of Registered Immigrants in BarcelonaNumber of Registered Foreigners, or immigrants, in Barcelona (2012)
Immigration in Barcelona per continent ~ 2012Immigration in Barcelona per continent (2012)
View a sample of Barcelona's attempt to compensate its financial crisis with attracting the "yachting super rich."
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Works Cited
"Poverty in Barcelona - The Borgen Project." The Borgen Project RSS2. 18 Aug. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
"Street Life." Barcelona Metropolitan. Web. 13 Feb. 2015