Civic and Community Centers Emerge as Key Spaces for Social Cohesion in the Face of Vulnerability and Loneliness

  • A study involving IGOP-UAB and led by Professor Ismael Blanco analyzes the role of social infrastructure in strengthening social cohesion, citizen participation, and inclusion within settings of urban vulnerability.
  • The presentation event for *CIVICOM: Civic and Community Centers—Community Engines Against Urban Vulnerability* was attended by the Minister of Social Rights and Inclusion, Raúl Moreno, and the Director General for Community Action and Social Innovation, Jaume Romero.

September 26, 2021

The CIVICOM study, presented on September 17, was driven by the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion with the participation of IGOP-UAB, the Metrópoli Institute, and the Confederation of Neighborhood Associations of Catalonia (CONFAVC). It analyzes the role of civic and community centers (CCCs) and “Casas del Mar” (social maritime centers) in fostering social cohesion, citizen participation, and inclusion in areas of urban vulnerability.

The research combined quantitative and qualitative methodologies, analyzing data from the 124 CCCs and “Casas del Mar” (CMs) in Catalonia, conducting case studies at facilities in Lleida, Sabadell (Rogelio Soto), Salt (Les Bernardes), and Badalona (Sant Roc), and carrying out a participatory process involving professionals, public authorities, organizations, and experts.

Key Findings

The study’s findings demonstrate that Civic and Community Centers function as genuine local social infrastructure, capable of forging bonds, strengthening community networks, and helping to reduce inequalities. More than 70% of the centers report that their activities foster the creation of new social relationships, a sense of belonging, and community cohesion. The research also shows that the network of Civic and Community Centers has a particularly significant presence in areas with the greatest social needs. Almost two-thirds of these facilities are located in low-income or lower-middle-income neighborhoods, reinforcing their role as tools for social cohesion, territorial equity, and local accessibility.

Regarding community well-being, the study highlights the centers’ contribution to combating unwanted loneliness, particularly among the elderly. These facilities serve as spaces for meeting, listening, mutual support, and participation, helping to prevent vulnerability and strengthen local social networks.

The study also points to the versatility of these Civic and Community Centers—along with their adaptability to new needs and their deep local roots—as key factors in building community and addressing the social challenges facing neighborhoods. Furthermore, it identifies opportunities to increase participation among young people, families, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, as well as to strengthen connections with other local stakeholders and services.

The CIVICOM findings indicate that Civic and Community Centers already play an effective role in fostering social cohesion and possess significant potential to further strengthen community networks, promote well-being, and help build more inclusive and resilient neighborhoods and municipalities.

Learn more

The findings are available in a publication released by the School of Public Administration of Catalonia (EAPC): issue number 23 of the “Digital Research Studies” series, titled *Els casals cívics i comunitaris: infraestructures socials contra la vulnerabilitat urbana* (Civic and Community Centers: Social Infrastructure Against Urban Vulnerability).

The EAPC has also published a policy brief on this research project, focusing on results and recommendations to facilitate their dissemination.