The symbolic role of the “neighborhood” in urban conflicts. Reflections on the case of Poblenou, Barcelona

Abstract

Nowadays, cities function as global centres of political and economic decision-making, as spaces for the process of accumulation, and as scenarios of and for social conflicts, among other issues. The recent events in cities such as New York, Istanbul and Madrid have contributed to a renewed interest in the study of social sciences. Anthropology has theoretical frameworks and tools that allow for a different vision on some of its aspects. Taking into consideration the theoretical approaches to the study of ritual symbols, and in the case of the Barcelona neighborhood of Poblenou, this article aims to provide a novel perspective for the study of the concept of “neighborhood” and its relation to contemporary urban conflict.