Settled immigrants in the city of Malaga: local host context and crime

Abstract

Spain is one of the European countries where the immigrant population has grown the most during the first years of this century. However, crime rates have remained constant in this period, even have decreased slightly, so the evolution of both phenomena does not allow to establish a positive relationship between them. Nevertheless, empirical evidence has shown that the immigration experiences differ according to local host conditions. In this way, some contexts would facilitate the involvement of immigrants in criminal activities. Empirical studies that address the family and social circumstances of immigrants at the local level and from a criminological perspective have not been carried out in Spain. To fill this gap, an approach has been made to the self-reported crime of settled immigrants, the conditions of their environment and their perceptions on social control. 174 structured interviews were conducted between 2017 and 2018 to a convenience sample of immigrants, who have lived three or more years in the city of Málaga, to study the relationship between local host conditions and crime, and the perception on social control. Findings grouped by country of origin show that some factors strengthen the integration of certain groups and allow us to know the level of legitimacy given to the police and the justice system. All this contributes to obtain a better knowledge of the settled immigrant population and the needs required in terms of local public policies.