Leisure as a Space for Inclusion and the Improvement of Life Satisfaction of Immigrants

Abstract

Immigration has increased as a transnational phenomenon in Europe in recent years. A total of 2.4 million people migrated to one of the EU-28 Member States during 2018 as discussed by Eurostat (2020). This new reality presents us with new challenges, barriers, and paradigms of intervention. In this context, leisure has become one of the most important tools for the inclusion of this population and the development and strengthening of civic values that are essential in these times of constant mobility and social and cultural hybridization as discussed by Ashcroft, Griffiths & Tiffin (2006). The aim of this study was to analyze the role of leisure in processes related to inclusion, improvement of life satisfaction, and those related to covering the needs of migrants. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used which was administered to 373 people from different countries of origin in the Basque Country (Northern Spain). The variables under study were participation in leisure activities, needs covered, life satisfaction, and perception of inclusion. The results indicate that the participation of these people in leisure activities and free time, their inclusion in the territory, and their perceived life satisfaction are all low, while their needs (physical, psychological, educational, social, relaxation, physiological, and artistic) are not satisfactorily covered. Furthermore, the extent to which their needs are covered, strength of the social network, inclusion, and life satisfaction all show a correlation with free time and engagement in leisure activities.