Shifts in Spain’s Workforce: Economic Sector Evolution (1900-2001)
Evolution of the Active Population by Economic Sectors in Spain (1900-2001)
This presentation analyzes the evolution of the active population in Spain across economic sectors from 1900 to 2001, using a bar graph and a multiple line graph. The graphs illustrate the workforce distribution in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, providing an evolutionary and comparative perspective.
Labor force: All persons over 16 years of age until retirement who contribute to the production of goods and services or are available for work. This includes both the employed (active population) and those seeking employment (unemployed active population). The data presented reflects the working population.
Definitions:
- Primary Sector: Activities focused on obtaining raw materials (agriculture, livestock, forestry, fishing, and mining).
- Secondary Sector: Activities involving the processing of raw materials (industry and construction).
- Tertiary Sector: Activities providing services (transport, trade, tourism, health, education, finance, administration, etc.).
General Analysis
The data showcases the evolution of the Spanish working population throughout the 20th century. Initially, a high percentage of the population was engaged in the ruralized Primary Sector, indicating a less developed country. Currently, the workforce distribution reflects a developed nation, with a predominant Tertiary Sector linked to increased urbanization. The decline of the Primary Sector is largely due to a decrease in the rural population. By 1970, Spain’s workforce distribution indicated its status as a developed country.
Specific Analysis
The evolution of these sectors can be divided into several stages:
b1) Primary Sector
Early 20th Century: The dominant sector (63.6% of the population). Throughout the century, it significantly declined, except for brief periods.
- First third of the century: Decline related to the initial phase of rural exodus.
- War and Postwar: Economic hardships, particularly in urban areas, Franco’s colonization policy, and irrigation expansion favored rural areas.
- 1950-1975: Accelerated decline due to increased rural exodus and field mechanization, leading to surplus agricultural labor seeking better opportunities in cities.
- Since 1975: Slower decline due to reduced exodus caused by the industrial crisis of the 80s and 90s and already low population levels (approx. 7%). While some further decline is expected due to agricultural modernization and farm consolidation, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to maintain acceptable income levels for the remaining farming population.
b2) Secondary Sector
Early 20th Century: A small percentage of the Spanish population (16%) due to limited industrial development.
- First third of the century: Growth driven by industry and public works during Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship.
- Civil War and Aftermath: A setback due to industrial destruction, infrastructure dismantling, a return to rural areas, and Franco’s autarkic policies, which hindered industrial development through shortages of raw materials, energy, and marketing channels.
- 1960s-1975: Growth spurred by the 1969 Stabilization Plan, which internationalized the Spanish economy, encouraged industrial development poles, increased urban construction and infrastructure, and developed tourist areas.
- Since 1975: Decline in the workforce due to the industrial crisis, leading to a shift towards the tertiary sector. Modern industry’s adoption of new technologies reduced labor needs and increased demand for services, resulting in “industry outsourcing.” By 2001, the secondary sector’s share (30% of the population) aligned with other industrialized European countries.
b3) Tertiary Sector
Early 20th Century: Started with a small percentage (17% of the population) and grew throughout the century, except during the Civil War.
- Until 1975: Growth linked to industrial development and improved quality of life.
- Since 1975: Rapid growth, becoming the dominant sector by 2001 (63%), with continued growth expected, mirroring trends in other developed countries. Key drivers included rising economic and living standards, industry outsourcing, increased demand for services, and expansion of public services.
Conclusions
The changing structure of the active population by economic sectors has led to increased regional inequality. The predominant sector in a region determines its level of development and economic modernization.
- Primary Sector: Higher than the national average in Galicia, Asturias, La Rioja, the two Castillas, Extremadura, Murcia, and Andalusia.
- Secondary Sector: Higher workforce than the national average in the Basque Country, Navarre, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Cantabria, La Rioja, and Castilla-La Mancha (though lower than the Primary Sector in the last three).
- Tertiary Sector: Predominant in Madrid, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, with high percentages also in Catalonia and Valencia.