Abstract

This paper explores the specific features of spatial segregation of social housing in Pucón, an elite tourist destination located in southern Chile. A survey applied to the 18% of families who inhabit the largest social housing complex ever built in recent years showed high levels of residential satisfaction, frequent commuting movements and a positive evaluation of the natural environment. The most severe problems faced by residents are unemployment during the winter, as well as the lack of urban amenities. Although the neighbors are not engaged in formal participation procedures, interviews conducted with community leaders allowed to infer that existing social organizations are able to represent the local government the problems faced by the community and press for solutions. These elements suggest that the construction of social housing complexes near tourist-oriented cities and towns constitutes an option to redefine the basic criteria for the allocation of social housing provided that three conditions are met: stable employment, strong community organizations and convenient mobility conditions to the core of the city life.