Contemporary Catalan Identity: A Social Profile of Adherents

Individuals and groups that live in a region and together form its community constantly manifest many different identities, i.e. national, ethnic, confessional, linguistic, territorial, political, professional, etc. Identities in Spain’s regional communities undergo significant changes, particularly in Catalonia. The aim of the study is to determine the social profile of the adherents of Catalan identity based on the results of surveys conducted in 2011–2024. The findings show that dual identity prevails in this regional community, with 47,6 % of respondents identifying as «both Spanish and Catalan». The identity of 20,3 % is described as «more Catalan than Spanish», followed by «only Catalan» (14,8 %), «more Spanish than Catalan» (6,1 %), and «only Spanish» (5,8 %). The exclusive and predominant Catalan identity is mostly shared by people over 45, women and residents of sparsely populated municipalities who vote for such parties as Junts («Together for Catalonia»), The Republican Left of Catalonia and Sumar. The exclusive Spanish identity is most widespread among women and people over 45, while the preferential identity of «more Spanish than Catalan» is also prevalent in the 18–24 age group. These segments of the regional community are most supportive of the People’s Party, PSOE and Vox. Changes in identity are caused by globalization and reflect the economic situation: the exclusive identity prevails in times of crisis, yet wanes as the standard of living rises. The latest trend towards a weaker exclusive Catalan identity also results from the failed secession attempt in 2017, the volatility and increasing fragmentation of the party system in the region.

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