5. SPANISH SOCIETY ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIAL CHANGE 1.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Spain had a very traditional economy and society. The country was close to outside influences during the early years of General Franco’s dictatorship. The country began a process of modernisation during the 1960s that continued in the late 20 th century.
Economic Growth: - The economy as modernised - There was a massive development of the tourist industry on the coast. 2. Urbanisation: - Migration from the countryside to coties was part of the transformation of a traditional rural society into a modern urban one. 3. Democracy: - After Franco’s death in 1975, the dictatorship ended. - In the democracy, citizens’s rights were defined by the Constitution of 1978. 4. Attitudes and lifestyle: - The Spanish educational system expanded, Spaniards became better educated. - Spain became more open to the outside world. - People adopted lifestyles which were similar to the rest of Europe. 5. The place of women: - Women began to work outside their homes. And had fewer children. - The proportion of working women still remains low compared to much of the European Union.