Social Transformation in Spain (1900-1930)
Social Change in Spain: 1900-1930
The slowness of the Spanish industrialization process meant that the rural world maintained an important presence in the economic and social life of the first third of the twentieth century.
Rural Society in Spain
Society considered rustic heritage a source of wealth and a symbol of social status. Among the large landowners, we can distinguish three groups:
- The old aristocracy, which increased its assets by purchasing new land.
- The financial bourgeoisie acquired important rural estates to diversify investments and returns, but retained their residence in large cities.
- The agrarian bourgeoisie lived in rural areas and originated from former small owners or tenants who had increased their wealth through confiscation.
Landowners enjoyed great influence, and much of the political and public administration staff was recruited from this group.
Spanish Peasantry and Farmers
The Spanish peasantry had diminished in number. Within this social group, there were notable differences depending on their relationship with the land: some were owners (medium and small), others were tenants, and there was a large mass of laborers.
The situation of farmers depended on the forms of property existing in the various regions of Spain. In Galicia, subleasing of properties was common. In Catalonia, peasants owned or leased land. In Extremadura, the ‘Yuntero’ (ploughman) had significant presence, and in Andalusia, there was a massive presence of ‘jornaleros’ (day laborers).
Urban Society in Spain
The rise of urban classes marked Spain’s entry into the era of the so-called mass society.
In Spain, the industrial bourgeoisie was relatively small, comprising mainly Catalans from the textile industry and Basques from the steel industry. Industrial development in the first third of the twentieth century increased the importance of this group and also strengthened the middle class.
Commercial, financial, and administrative development also led to the growth of the middle class, composed mainly of so-called “white collars” who worked in shops and banks, were state officials, or practiced liberal professions.
The number of industrial workers increased as a result of industrial development and rural depopulation. Most workers were concentrated in certain areas. Their living conditions were generally better than those of farm laborers. However, periods of economic crisis, with rising prices and unemployment, worsened their situation and caused labor protests and increasing social unrest.
New Social and Urban Culture
The development of cities and the shaping of a modern mass society led to the imposition of new social values, new forms of sociability and leisure, and the spread of culture among broad strata.
This era saw the extension of new means of transport and the growth of mass media.
One of the most important changes was the improvement of educational qualifications among Spaniards: the number of illiterates decreased, and attendance in education centers increased. Increased literacy resulted in a greater demand for cultural entertainment.
Data indicated a moderate development of reading habits. Improved technical means allowed for the expansion of the press, leading to the rise of a mass press through which public opinion was shaped, critical arguments were broadcast, and the gradual formation of an independent public opinion was favored.
New civic associations spread. Circles and casinos proliferated in cities among the wealthier classes, while lyceums or ‘casas del pueblo’ (village houses) were popular among other social groups.
The practice of hiking and sports extended. The passion for sports and entertainment took hold in the early twentieth century with the emergence of major Spanish football clubs.
Among the new forms of entertainment, visual media gained importance. The first film was screened in Spain in May 1896, and by 1914, Barcelona already had more than 160 cinemas.