The Fertility Gap in Europe: Singularities of the Spanish Case

the well-being of society depends to a large extent on its capacity to maintain a level of fertility that will guarantee generational replacement and sufficient economic growth to sustain a welfare state that can respond to the challenges of an increasingly ageing population with increasing levels of dependency. in addition, having children forms part of the life aspirations of a large majority of citizens and is therefore also associated with an important aspect of individual well-being. the last half century has seen a widespread decline in fertility in the advanced countries, a decline directly related to important social changes resulting from changes in the role of the family and in gender roles. spain has been no exception to this trend, and although a late arrival to this process, the decline in spain has happened at a dramatic rate. Having experienced an unprecedented decrease in its birthrate, unlike other countries, it has still not recovered. the reality in spain is very different from that found in other societies, such as in the nordic countries or in France, which have achieved a stable balance of around two children per woman. With the present study, we wish to address growing concerns over the effects of persistently low fertility rates on the well-being of societies such as spain. to this end, professor Esping-andersen has coordinated the efforts of a group of distinguished academics in analysing the different factors explaining spain’s unique situation, comparing it not only with the realities of the nordic and anglo-saxon countries, but also with other Mediterranean countries. their analysis recognises the multi- dimensional nature of the phenomenon, focusing on educational factors, 11 characteristics of the labour market and the impact of public policy, as well as the transformation in gender roles and new models of motherhood and fatherhood. We hope that this new edition of the social studies Collection will make a significant contribution to the analysis of the factors triggering low-low fertility syndrome and provide useful data for the design of policies aimed at reversing this trend. Furthermore, the findings presented in this book question the perspective that women with higher education levels and careers, who seek more equal relationships with their partners, have to give up the idea of having a family. once more, the role of public and social action has been found to be decisive in dealing positively with the challenges of contemporary societies.