A space for analysis, debate and reflection that aims to study current issues and the challenges facing society, as well as to spread knowledge of the social sciences.

What we do

”la Caixa” The Social Observatory of "la Caixa" Foundation is a space for analysis, debate and reflection that generates scientifically-based knowledge on social issues through its own studies and competitive calls.

With the aim of enriching public debate and stimulating critical thought, the Social Observatory communicates the knowledge generated through publications, interviews and cycles of activities held at the CaixaForum centres.


Social research calls

The Social Observatory supports research in social sciences through three types of competitive call: the Social Research Call, Flash Calls and the Connect Call.

  • Social Research Call

    The annual Social Research Call for Spain and Portugal promotes high-quality knowledge in order to understand and identify the challenges facing our society through studies based on quantitative data. The call is open to social research projects of any kind and provides financial support of up to €115,000, with a maximum duration of 24 months.


     

  • Flash Calls

    The Flash Calls for Spain and Portugal support quantitative research projects based on surveys. These calls focus on promoting research projects related to current social issues that also aim to provide rapid results which are then passed on to society. The maximum financial support for each project is €35,000.


     

  • Connect Call

    The annual Connect Call is aimed at research carried out by mixed teams. The aim is to promote collaboration between academia, the third sector and public administration in order to collect data that will help address social challenges.

    This call offers up €90,000 in funding for projects that last maximum 24 months.


     

Consult all the information related to the social research calls on the Social Observatory website.

Spotlight

Alt imagen:

Social isolation among Spain’s young adult population: the value of face-to-face interactions

Online interactions are no replacement for face-to-face relationships in providing emotional support between young people. In fact, it is a lack of face-to-face interactions that really leads to social isolation.

Alt imagen:

Compassion by Rafael Argullol

In a world that extols autonomy and narcissism, compassion is seen as a weakness. Professor, philosopher and essayist Rafael Argullol champions compassion as an act of resistance and freedom.

Alt imagen:

Are gender stereotypes still alive in the twenty-first century?

Gender stereotypes persist that mean that traits such as leadership and entrepreneurship are identified as masculine, while empathy and understanding are considered feminine.

Alt imagen:

Feeling precarious affects young people’s mental health

Feeling precarious damages young people’s mental health. Of the young people interviewed for this study, 31 % are at risk of depression or anxiety, and the sensation of not being able to access a decent standard of living is a crucial factor.

Alt imagen:

Have the labour reforms reduced the temporary employment rate among young workers?

The reduction in the casualisation of young people since the labour reforms is very evident in Spain and almost imperceptible in Portugal. Why?

Alt imagen:

Young people, opportunities and futures

What challenges are faced by young people in Spain and Portugal? In the Social Observatory’s twelfth Dossier, we analyse aspects such as performance in the education system, incorporation into the labour market, or leaving the parental home.

Documents of interest

The Social Observatory 2024

We generate and communicate knowledge in social sciences.