Family networks in Andalusia, Spain

Abstract

Family networks are a key resource for care in Spain, but this does not mean that they are explained by tradition or ideology. In fact, they are playing an important role in family change towards the dual-earner model supporting the involvement of mothers in paid work. The article analyses the structure of individuals' family networks as circles of non-cohabitant relatives which are kept active by relations, expectations, and mutual services. The information is based on the Family Networks Survey of Andalusia done in 2005 in this Spanish region to a wide sample of 10,000 interviewees.

Keywords:

• family
• networks
• care
• Andalusia

Notes

1. In 2010, it became the ‘Instituto de Cartografía y Estadística de Andalucía’, joining the cartographic and statistical services of the region.

2. After the 1978 Constitution, Spain was administratively and politically organized in 17 Autonomous Regions (Comunidades Autónomas). Almost all of these regions have now created their own Office of Statistics, to deal with regional information needs, in addition to the existing National Office of Statistics (INE) whose scope is national.

3. Not equivalent to the statistical sense of household, which includes people cohabiting but not related by kinship.

4. These findings may partially be explained by the return, after 1973, of persons who had previously emigrated to European countries or the rest of Spain.

5. It has to be taken into account that the probability of having a non-cohabiting living father is smaller (47%) than that of having a living mother (62%).

6. Three-generational Spanish households represent only 5%, the most common case being that of grandparents, parents, and grandchildren (Instituto Nacional de Estadística 2006, p. 4).