Retirement and unemployment as an opportunity for use and social interaction in urban public spaces / Jubilación y desempleo como oportunidad de uso e interacción social en los espacios públicos urbanos

Demographic changes, associated with longer life expectancy and a lower birth rate, have led to population ageing in societies. There is also a high rate of unemployment linked to job insecurity, temporary employment, school drop-out rates and overqualification, among others. These phenomena have generated a new social challenge. This research paper, based on a sample of 259 people, aims to analyse the extent to which socio-occupational status influences the use of public spaces (parks and squares) and users’ perceptions about the possibilities of contact promoted by different public spaces and the quality of relationships with other users. Findings indicate that there are differences depending on socio-occupational status with regard to the perception of social relations and frequency of use. In particular, unemployed and retired people use urban public spaces to a greater extent, and they also show a more positive perception of the possibilities of contact in public spaces and the quality of relationships.