Spanish Population Growth and Social Transformation (1960-1975)

Population Growth and Social Change

In the 1960s, Spain experienced its most significant annual population growth rate of the century, increasing from 30.4 million in 1960 to 33.8 million in 1970. This growth remained high over the following five years, and by 1975, the population exceeded 35.8 million. This demographic surge resulted from a decrease in mortality—particularly infant mortality—and a high birth rate driven by improvements in living conditions.

Natalist Policies and Demographic Trends

The Franco regime promoted a strictly natalist policy, ensuring the fertility rate remained high throughout the decade, reaching 2.8 children per woman by 1975. Simultaneously, infant mortality dropped significantly, falling from 63‰ in 1950 to 19‰ by 1970.

Migratory Movements and Rural Exodus

Population growth was accompanied by large-scale migratory movements. The mechanization and modernization of agriculture displaced many peasants, who viewed emigration as the only way to secure an income. This led to an intense rural exodus during the 1960s.

• Origin areas: Andalusia, Extremadura, the two Castiles, Murcia, and Galicia.
• External migration: Over 1.3 million Spaniards emigrated to European countries, primarily France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium.

Internal Migration and Urbanization

Internal migration was even more dramatic; between 1962 and 1973, four million people changed their place of residence. While agricultural areas provided the majority of migrants, economically dynamic regions saw massive population increases, specifically:

• Madrid
• Catalonia
• Basque Country
• Valencia

Socio-Professional Transformation

The development of the industrial economy and the expansion of the service sector transformed Spain into an industrialized capitalist society. The distribution of the workforce shifted significantly between 1950 and 1975:

• Agriculture: Decreased from 50% to 21%.
• Industry: Increased from 24% to 38%.
• Services: Increased from 25% to 41%.

The Rise of the Middle Class

The social changes of the 1960s led to an increase in the size of the middle classes and the consolidation of the urban bourgeoisie. In little more than a decade, economic expansion brought about a profound transformation, moving Spanish society away from the misery and rigid morality of the post-war era toward the social and cultural patterns typical of modern industrialized nations.