Spanish Society & Demographics: Post-War Transformations
Society and Culture
Demographic Trends
Frankist Period: Declining Mortality and Increased Life Expectancy
During the Frankist period, continuous declining mortality led to a favorable increase in life expectancy. While the birth rate decreased, it did so more slowly. The population growth rate was relatively high, with the regime promoting fertility. However, population growth was uneven across regions. Areas of economic dynamism, such as the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Madrid, attracted many immigrants. Conversely, provinces like Castilla and Extremadura lost population, while Andalusia, Aragon, and Galicia experienced very small growth.
Social Transformations
Growth of Cities
Until the mid-twentieth century, Spain remained largely a rural country. Thereafter, a significant rural exodus occurred. As rural areas depopulated, cities grew. Large cities not only absorbed immigrants from rural areas but also surrounding municipalities, forming extensive metropolitan areas. The top five were Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Bilbao. This rapid urbanization led to serious problems with housing and urban infrastructure.
Transformation of the Active Population
Economic development resulted in a decrease in the population employed in the primary sector. Simultaneously, there was a sharp increase in manufacturing jobs due to the demand for new products. Jobs in construction, transport, and trade also saw significant growth.
Incorporation of Women into the Labor Force
Although the Franco regime did not actively promote women’s emancipation, social changes were evident in this area. Women increasingly attended high school and university. The number of women working outside the home also rose, even though it was common for women to forgo their careers after marriage.
The New Middle Classes
The small traditional middle class diminished as a result of economic development. The structure of the middle class also changed. While traditionally composed of small and medium business owners in agriculture, industry, and commerce, economic development led to the growth of new middle classes. These comprised technical and professional employees, essential in an economy where the tertiary sector expanded.
Development of Social Security
The Franco regime, while conservative on social issues and abolishing republican reforms, developed its own social policy. This was influenced by the advancement of the welfare state in Europe during the Franco period. Economic development allowed for increased social spending, and social policy was seen as a preventive measure against revolutionary unrest. Various types of social insurance were introduced in a dispersed manner, with compulsory health insurance being the most significant. Unemployment insurance was introduced much later. The basic law of social security integrated all social security aspects into a unified system, financed by compulsory contributions from employers and employees, as well as state contributions.