Multilevel analysis of territorial agendas on migration and development in peripheralized regions of Spain: What happens in a more diverse rural context?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2026.286

Keywords:

rural development, demographic challenge, migration policy, integration, return

Abstract

The intersection between migration governance and rural development strategies in Spain has gained increasing attention within a European context that links territorial revitalization with the management of migration and diversity. Building on this framework, the article examines the implications of these agendas for public policies and multilevel governance. Drawing on an analysis of the national regulatory framework and the regional strategies of Galicia, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, and Aragón, it explores the orientations adopted by different institutional scales, as well as the frictions, gaps, and challenges that emerge during implementation. Using a qualitative methodology and the study of several municipalities, it addresses the difficulties faced by local action in the fields of immigration and development. The analysis assesses how migration is approached from a rural development perspective and suggests the need to move toward more inclusive and participatory governance models capable of integrating diverse actors and strengthening coordination across administrative levels.

Author Biographies

Keina Espiñeira, Universidade da Coruña

Departamento de Socioloxía e Ciencias da Comunicación, Universidade da Coruña, España.

Belén Fernández-Suárez, Universidade da Coruña

Departamento de Socioloxía e Ciencias da Comunicación, Universidade da Coruña, España.

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Published

2026-01-13

How to Cite

Espiñeira, K., & Fernández-Suárez, B. (2026). Multilevel analysis of territorial agendas on migration and development in peripheralized regions of Spain: What happens in a more diverse rural context?. Spanish Journal of Sociology, 35(1), a286. https://doi.org/10.22325/fes/res.2026.286

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