THE CHANGING SPANISH FAMILY

Family ties have always been important in Spanish society. However, a recent study shows that although families are still strong, family structures are changing. One big change is that young people are staying single longer. For example, 57 per cent of 29-year-old men have never married. In general, women get married and leave their parents home earlier than men do. Young people often continue to live with their families rather than moving out on their own. They think that 24 is the ideal age for becoming independent, but many of them cannot afford to move out. Because of the economic situation, its not easy for young people to live alone. Buying a home is very expensive, but more worthwhile in the long run, as renting is even more expensive. For this reason eighty per cent of all young people get some financial help from their parents. Spain was once known as a young country because of its high birth rate. That is no longer the case. The population is getti ng older, since fewer babies are being born. If the present birth rate continues, the population will actually get smaller over time rather than grow. Two of the reasons for the lower birth rate seem to be that firstly, young people become independent and get married at a later age; therefore they have fewer children. Secondly, it is difficult for women to balance work and family obligations. Moreover, most workplaces dont provide childcare. In the past, many people lived in homes which included members of several generations: grandparents and grandchildren lived in the same home. Today, that situation is much less common. Only 8 per cent of Spanish families have got more than two generations living together. Most families include two parents and their children. This accounts for 24 per cent of all families. 1. Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Give evidence from the text. ( lines ) (2 puntos) a. Men get married later than women. b. These days, most people live with their grandparents. 2. In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. (2 puntos) a) Why is it better to buy a house of your own? b) Why are there less and less children in Spain? 3. Find the words in the text that mean: (1 punto) a) manage to pay for (paragraph 3): . c) on one occasion (paragraph 4): . b) valuable (paragraph 3): . d) in fact (paragraph 4): . 4. Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the words in brackets when given. (2 puntos) a. Peter (leave) his parents home two years ago when he (get married) in two weeks time. b. Young people (get married) when they (can) earn their living. c. Spanish families, children may live on their own, feel quite happy they see their children in their own house. d. Combine the following sentence using relative clause. David is my brother. He is an expert in karate. 5. Write about 100 to 150 words on one of the following topics: (3 puntos) a) Describe an experience you had that made you more mature. Explain what happened and how the experience changed you. b) Write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of getting married in your early 20s.