[Reproduction and marriage in Spain (1970-1990)].

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Sociology
• Public Health

Context:

• Analysis of Spanish fertility trends from the 1970s and 1980s.
• Examination of evolving sexual behaviors and their impact on marriage and birth rates.
• Comparison with international fertility pattern shifts.

Purpose:

• To analyze recent fertility trends in Spain.
• To investigate the rise in births conceived outside marriage.
• To identify factors influencing fertility rates, including contraception, marriage age, and socioeconomic status.

Summary:

• Significant increase in births conceived outside marriage between 1970-1980, with most couples marrying before birth.
• Proportion of women pregnant at marriage rose from 10% to 21% in Spain during the 1970s.
• Effective contraception and earlier marriage reduced young nonmarital fertility, but not in other age groups; regional variations linked to socioeconomic factors.

Impact:

• Provides insights into demographic shifts in Spain.
• Highlights the influence of changing social norms on fertility.
• Informs public health and socioeconomic policies related to family planning and regional development.