Analysis of Cultural Heritage in Spanish Electoral Programs (2000-2019): The Treatment of Intangible Heritage

Abstract

This research analyzes the cultural heritage proposals included in the electoral programs of Spain’s main political parties during general elections held between 2000 and 2019. The study aims to generate empirical data that enables both a quantitative and qualitative comparison of each party’s initiatives, ultimately establishing an indicator of political interest or disaffection toward cultural heritage. The research is supported by a theoretical approach that understands heritage as a socially and idiologically constructed field, shaped by symbolic disputes, and addresses electoral programs as performative discourses that reflect and project the political identity of the parties. . Methodologically, the study combines content analysis with political discourse analysis, and total of 130 proposals were identified and classified, paying particular attention to those related to intangible cultural heritage due to its relevance regarding identity and its potential to generate social cohesion. The results reveal significant differences among the parties, highlighting The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE)  as the one with the greatest capacity for proposal-making, a more structured vision, and  heritage policies that aligned with international standards. In contrast, intangible heritage remains largely underrepresented and often becomes a site of ideological contention, reinforcing the idea that cultural heritage is a politically tense field.