Attitudes and perceptions towards foreign population in the Basque Country: an approach to the urban perspective

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the understanding of the attitudes and perception of local people in Basque Country towards the transformations generated by the foreign immigration in the urban context. Based on the Barometers published by Ikuspegi Barometers Basque Observatory of Immigration, this study analyzes the degree of tolerance of local people to immigrants shops and restaurants, use of public space, manifestation of their habits and customs or the existence of immigrants religious temples and private schools. This paper notices the existence of different types of attitudes of acceptance and rejection as well as the influence of the municipal size, residential preferences of local people and their social relationship with foreigners.