Urban Communities and Local Political Participation in Spain

The role of urban communities and localities in the development of citizenship and civil society in Spain is examined. The periods before and after democracy are compared. The focus is on the importance of community-based solidarity for the development of urban social movements before the 1979 local democratic elections and the rise of voluntary associations that followed. Democracy during the transitional period to democracy, which was based on consensus politics, has been translated into greater visibility for formal organizations, such as political parties and trade unions, rather than community-based organizations. During the last decade, civic associations centered on cultural, educational, and leisure activities have rapidly developed. On the one hand, the local expresses more heterogeneous interests of the citizens than of associations. On the other, regional and national politics have acquired prominence. Although local governments remain poorly financed, local politics and identities nevertheless continue to be a significant part of citizen life.