THE MOVEMENT FOR DECENT HOUSING IN SPAIN OR THE REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF A WIDELY SUPPORTED SOCIAL PROTEST

Before the 2008 international economic crisis opinion polls showed that Spanish people consider the "housing issue" as one of their main priorities. As a result of this, a social movement that was centered on this problem came of age in 2003. The movement acquired a renewed impetus and social impact with the establishment of a new organization in 2006: the Assembly for Decent Housing. Led basically by youngsters and students, the Assembly has brought about the development of a "new and less traditional" movement for decent housing (MDH) and has embarked itself into a contentious strategy that has taken people to the streets. In spite of the importance attached to the issue, the new MDH has proved unable to capitalize on this "popular" grievance. Radical framing, inability to establish broad social alliances and unwillingness to cooperate with potentially influential political allies might explain why this organization has failed to develop upon a successful social movement.