España : una sociedad de inmigración improvisada

Abstract

This paper explores how Spain has been lately and suddenly transformed into an immigrant society, and how Spaniards are using traditional symbolic models to think about and behave towards "others." Two models have been identified: a 'gypsy model' to deal with immigrants from poor countries, and a 'tourist model' as a way to interact with immigrants from Western richer societies. The final part of the article will give some suggestions to build a fairer and more satisfactory relationship with immigrants, one able to overcome a black-and-white picture.