The relevance of roots and spatial proximities in large Ibero-American cities is addressed, analyzing their role in the daily arrangements that enable care and the provision of well-being, and with which situations of vulnerability are dealt with. The perspective that is adopted allows attention to these local roots, which have remained in a subordinate place in the literature on globalization. Attention is paid to both its material and symbolic and representational dimension, incorporating, at the same time, its transformations in the global context from a multi-scale approach. The focus of attention is the cities of Barcelona, Buenos Aires and Madrid, especially their vulnerable neighbourhoods. The objectives, the contribution to the literature, the addressees and the background of this special issue "Roots and arrangements: care, well-being and vulnerabilities in large Ibero-American cities" are presented. Finally, the articles that make up this special issue are presente