A recent survey reveals a shift in Barcelona's social values, with increasing individualism and skepticism towards traditional ideals. This change occurs despite ongoing economic growth.
A new survey conducted in Barcelona has unveiled a significant transformation in the city’s social values, highlighting a growing trend towards individualism and materialism among its residents. The findings indicate that while progressive ideals still hold majority support, they are increasingly overshadowed by a conservative shift, particularly among younger men. This ideological pivot is noteworthy as it unfolds during a period of economic prosperity.
The survey, which involved over 2,000 interviews from mid-November 2025 to February 2026, reflects mounting concerns regarding housing security and personal safety. Interestingly, unemployment and poverty have become less pressing issues for residents, even as homelessness reaches unprecedented levels in modern history. This paradox raises questions about the societal transition from collective to individualistic perspectives.
Historical data shows that support for fundamental values such as freedom and equality has plummeted to record lows since the survey’s inception in 1998. The need for personal security has surged dramatically, increasing by 16 percentage points since the last survey in 2021. Meanwhile, interest in privacy has also reached an all-time high.
The decline of progressive values is further evidenced by diminishing support for pacifism and environmentalism. In stark contrast to previous years when anti-capitalist sentiments were prevalent, there is now an almost equal number of individuals who embrace capitalism versus those who reject it. Notably, only 36.2% of respondents view education primarily as a means for personal development—a sharp drop from 49.3% in 2018—while the desire to earn more money has doubled to 6.8%.
The changing political landscape is equally striking; support for democracy has decreased from 90.3%% in 2006 to just 77.7%% today. Conversely, those favoring authoritarian governance have increased to an unprecedented 6.6%% of respondents.
The report notes a “democratic malaise” characterized by distrust towards political institutions and skepticism about democratic processes.
This sentiment resonates with findings indicating that participation in political activities—such as protests or community meetings—has hit historical lows.
The survey also highlights shifting attitudes toward immigration within Barcelona’s diverse population of nearly 26.6%% foreign residents. While there is greater acknowledgment of immigrants’ contributions to the economy and pension systems, concerns about their impact on social cohesion are rising sharply; those believing immigrants disrupt harmony are nearing parity with those who do not.
The percentage of individuals viewing immigrants as detrimental to public resources has risen from 25.8%% five years ago to 36%% today.
This complex interplay between economic conditions and social attitudes sets the stage for upcoming elections scheduled for May 23rd, 2027. As Barcelona grapples with these evolving dynamics, it remains at a crossroads between its progressive legacy and emerging conservative tendencies.
Civic engagement appears diminished as fewer residents express feelings of belonging solely as Catalans or Spaniards compared to previous decades—a trend that may influence future policy directions significantly.
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