The evolution of social norms on family transitions in Spain

Abstract

Spanish society has undergone deep transformations regarding family trajectories. The 21st century’s first two decades have been characterized by the declining importance of marriage, a remarkable increase in cohabitation and non-marital births, and very low fertility levels largely associated with the postponement of the transition to the first child. Most previous studies have addressed these socio-demographic changes by focusing on structural conditions. Comparing two waves of the European Social Survey (2006/07 and 2018/19), this study explores whether a parallel transformation has taken place regarding the norms and values that shape the calendar and sequence of family formation. Our findings confirm the flexibilization of norms related to the ages that are considered ideal for cohabitation, marriage and first birth, as well as a greater social acceptance of non-traditional reproductive and partnership decisions. Changes seem particularly manifest among women of the younger generations.