For the first time in Spain’s history, traditional family units—two parents and one or more children—are no longer the majority. Recent data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) shows a significant shift in family structures, reflecting the country’s rapidly evolving social landscape.
With more diverse family models emerging, Spain is witnessing a decline in the classic family setup that once dominated.
A shift away from tradition
The latest census data reveals that the traditional family structure has been steadily decreasing for decades. Today, families consisting of two parents and children make up less than half of the total. In contrast, couples without children and single-parent families now account for a larger share of households. According to the INE, a family unit is defined as a couple living together with or without children, or one parent living with a child.
Sociologist Luis Ayuso from the University of Málaga highlights: “Spain has seen one of the fastest transformations in family structures.” Furthermore, he notes that social acceptance of divorce and changing family dynamics have grown significantly, even in a country where divorce was once, and not too long ago, taboo.
Growing diversity in family models
One of the most significant changes is the rise in single-parent families. In the 1990s, they made up only 11% of households. Today, they account for one in four families. This growth is in line with a general decline in birth rates across the country. Many single-parent households are now made up of older parents living with adult children, a trend confirmed by INE data, which shows that most of these families consist of children over 25 years old.
Despite these shifts, the family remains a core part of Spanish society. Traditional gatherings, such as Sunday lunches and family holidays, continue to reinforce family networks. According to the OECD, between 78% and 87% of Spaniards stay in regular contact with their parents or children, a much higher rate than the international average.
Regional differences in family structures
The changes in family structures have not been uniform across Spain. In 13 provinces and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, traditional families are still the most common. Murcia, Cádiz, and Seville are the regions where this model remains strongest, while in areas like Ourense, Asturias, and León, the gap between traditional and non-traditional families is much wider. The Canary Islands lead the country in single-parent households.
Family structures and social support
As family units shrink and become more diverse, experts warn that the traditional family networks that have long supported Spain’s social fabric may weaken. Ayuso emphasises that Spain’s family-oriented culture acts as a “buffer” against the isolation and individualism seen in other countries. However, as fewer couples form and birth rates continue to decline, this support network could diminish over time.
“The invisible welfare system built on family networks—parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles—may not be sustainable in the future,” Ayuso cautions. Without stable family units, he warns, Spain’s social safety net could be at risk, particularly as the country faces rising levels of loneliness and an ageing population.
Also read: Birth trends in Spain