Evolving Family Models in Spain - A New National Framework for Improved Support and Protection for Families

Oct 12, 2026

Evolving Family Models in Spain presents a policy-oriented analysis of how Spanish family support and protection systems should respond to rapidly changing family forms. Drawing on OECD data and prior policy work, it reviews approaches across EU countries and outlines directions for reform. The publication argues for a coordinated, integrated continuum of support from birth through adulthood, with added focus on recognizing family diversity, addressing underinvestment, improving well-being, reducing child poverty, and easing day-to-day family life.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages201

Reading Time1 h 10 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Family models and policy needs

Spain: report scope and proposed reforms

Project preparation and contributors

Evolving Family Models in Spain A NEW NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVED SUPPORT AND PROTECTION FOR FAMILIES Evolving Family Models in Spain A NEW NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPROVED SUPPORT AND PROTECTION FOR FAMILIES This work is published under the responsibility of the Secretary-General of the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Member countries of the OECD. The project under the title "Spain: Support with the design of a white paper for a new legal framework on family support and protection" was co-funded by the European Union via the Structural Reform Support Programme (REFORM/IM2020/004) . This publication was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. This document, as well as any data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law. Note by Turkey The information in this document with reference to “Cyprus” relates to the southern part of the Island. There is no single authority representing both Turkish and Greek Cypriot people on the Island. Turkey recognises the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) . Until a lasting and equitable solution is found within the context of the United Nations, Turkey shall preserve its position concerning the “Cyprus issue”. Note by all the European Union Member States of the OECD and the European Union The Republic of Cyprus is recognised by all members of the United Nations with the exception of Turkey. The information in this document relates to the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Please cite this publication as: OECD (2022), Evolving Family Models in Spain: A New National Framework for Improved Support and Protection for Families, OECD Publishing, Paris, [https://doi.org/10.1787/c27e63ab-en](https://doi.org/10.1787/c27e63ab-en). ISBN 978-92-64-73257-5 (print) ISBN 978-92-64-83779-9 (pdf) Photo credits: Cover design by Lucy Hulett using images from © Antonov Maxim/Shutterstock.com and © [solarseven/Shutterstock.com](solarseven/Shutterstock.com), and Gearings image © OECD, designed by Christophe Brilhault. [Corrigendato publications may be found on line at:](Corrigendato publications may be found on line at: www.oecd.org/about/publishing/corrigenda.htm)[ www.oecd.org/about/publishing/corrigenda.htm](Corrigendato publications may be found on line at: www.oecd.org/about/publishing/corrigenda.htm). © OECD 2022 The use of this work, whether digital or print, is governed by the Terms and Conditions to be found at [http://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions](http://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions). Foreword Family models are evolving rapidly in OECD countries. Only a few decades ago , most families followed the traditional married-couple male-breadwinner model. Today, families look very different. Partnering behaviours have changed substantially, and many more children are now living with unmarried cohabiting parents , in single-parent families or in “re-constituted” families. In the labour market , dual earning has become the norm for most couples in most OECD countries. The changing nature of families and family life means that family policy must change, too. The OECD has long emphasised the need for governments to modernise and reinforce their family policy packages , starting with the Babies and Bosses series in the early-to mid-2000s. The common messag

FAQs

What prompted the report’s focus on changing family policy in Spain?

The report argues that family models are evolving quickly, with more varied household arrangements and dual-earning patterns that require policy to modernize and provide coordinated support.

What does the report propose for improving family support and protection?

It proposes directions for reform to align Spain’s family policy with evolving family models, expand investment in family support, incorporate family diversity in the national framework, and address structural under-investment.

Which outcomes does the report target for family policy reform?

The publication emphasizes improving family well-being, reducing child poverty, and making family life easier for all, regardless of circumstances.

Oct 12, 2026

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