This research focuses on the concepts of place identity, social identity, residential satisfaction and community participation among immigrant and native populations. Two sample populations were analyzed: 148 Latin Americans and 150 native Spanish residents of Málaga. Comparisons drawn between the groups yielded higher levels of place identity –with the neighbourhood, city and country–, residential satisfaction and community participation among the native population. Immigrants displayed greater place identity and residential satisfaction if they were employed and lived in their own home, in comparison with those renting a property and in unemployment. The length of residence in the neighbourhood affected neighbourhood identity among immigrants, with differences between those who had been living there for the longest and shortest periods of time. Furthermore, in spite of the high levels of neighbourhood identity among the native population, after five years living in the neighbourhood, the differences between natives and immigrants disappeared. In addition, greater place identity was seen to be linked with greater community participation and residential satisfaction. © 2012 by Fundación Infancia y Aprendizaje.

place identity immigrants Community participation residential satisfaction Social identity

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