Navigating spaces of transnational gentrification: Insights from the everyday geographies of Barcelona’s new global residents

Abstract

The increasing attraction of Southern European cities for highly qualified international migrants is a significant driver of recent sociodemographic changes. This phenomenon has drawn attention to its impact on housing markets, commercial landscapes, social cohesion, the displacement of lower-income populations and urban segregation. Given the emergent nature of this phenomenon in the region, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the spatial patterns of this group. Existing literature primarily consists of neighbourhood-level studies focused on central areas, often historic centres, where highly qualified international migrants tend to settle alongside tourism activity. However, there is little evidence on their spatial distribution following the extraordinary and rapid expansion of this population. In addition, little is known about their everyday geographies beyond their places of residence and the way they interact with urban space. Employing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from population registers and surveys and qualitative insights from mental mapping workshops, this study measures the evolution of the spatial patterns and explores the living spaces of highly qualified international migrants in Barcelona. By doing so, we identify not only where they reside but also where they work, socialize, exercise and engage in leisure activities – as well as how they engage with urban spaces. Our findings highlight two key aspects: first, despite significant growth, highly qualified international migrants remain highly concentrated in central urban areas; second, mapping their living spaces allows us to better understand how they integrate into, perceive and impact the city, emphasizing the critical issue of urban segregation.