Prácticas vecinales en espacios públicos de entornos desfavorecidos. El barrio de Santa Clara en Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canarias, España)

Abstract

The role of public space in the daily life of residents in Santa Clara, a suburb of the working periphery of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is examined. The main purpose is to identify the factors that determine the presence of collective and diverse practices in two selected places. The methodology is based on a systematic observation to recognize the social functioning of these spaces of relationship and semi-structured interviews and informal conversations with residents to understand the reasons for the observed practices. The results show a low intensity of use in the next public spaces, which is due to several factors, among which are the little or no actual value that they have these areas of coexistence and the effect of attraction of other areas of relationship located in the city center, especially among the young.