Want to know how we calculated these indicators? See our Methodological Appendix for details.

Analysis of indicators on expenditure on policies for fighting poverty, adaptation of benefits and the reduction in poverty due to monetary benefits. The information on the effects of these policies is limited, with little homogeneity between countries, but it contributes valuable conclusions.

Thanks to the results of the European Survey on Income and Living Conditions, which enable all countries in the EU to be compared, we know that Spain occupies, with respect to indicators on material living conditions, a significantly lower position to that which it occupies in the comparison by GDP.

An analysis of the economic situation of Spanish households through indicators on sources of income, financial balance and risk of poverty. From economic vulnerability to material deprivation, and including over-indebtedness, this snapshot explains the problems that exist. 

Material living conditions have worsened since the year 20014 and the short period of economic recovery has barely contributed to any improvement. The comparison situates Spain among the countries at the tail of the EU and public policies have not compensated for the effects of the crisis on households and people.

What is the relationship between social background and quality of employment? We analyse whether, independently of education, family background is a conditioning factor in finding a good job and whether the crisis has influenced this situation.

A large difference exists between the productive activity of men and women, especially when the latter are mothers and devote considerable time to managing the household and caring for children and dependent elders.

Has the protection of children and young people decreased over the last decade? In many European countries the child poverty rate is higher than the poverty rate among people aged over 64 years. This divergence is especially pronounced in Spain.

Increasingly, the inhabitants of the suburbs have been choosing not to go and vote. What are the reasons that explain such extreme abstention by this collective in electoral processes? Has the new politics managed to draw greater participation from the more disadvantaged areas?

Energy poverty is a growing phenomenon since the beginning of the crisis in 2008 and the highest incidence is found in certain socioeconomic groups. What are the consequences of this reality? What structural measures would be needed to tackle this problem?

80.1% of households with two adults and no children live in an owned home. In the case of single-parent households, this percentage falls to 65%.

What has been the effect of social transfers in terms of redistributing wealth and combating inequalities in Spain and in the EU?

The difference in unemployment rates between men and women in our country is larger than the European average. How has it evolved during the recent years of economic crisis?

Michael Marmot, director of the UCL Health Equities Institute, explains the mechanisms linking social inequality and poor health, as well as the policies that should be implemented to reduce both.

Jane Waldfogel is Chair Professor in Social Work at the University of Columbia. In this interview, the main author of the book Too Many Children Left Behind proposes solutions for tackling differences in performance between students.

What do people living in poverty experience and what policies could help them? These two books aim to answer these two questions from opposing perspectives. Economics of Poverty adopts a theoretical and global focus, while Scarcity approaches the subject empirically and looks at specific cases.

Inequality as a phenomenon can be studied from a local, global or international perspective. Branko Milanovic integrates these three points of view in order to reflect on the effect of globalisation within this inequality.

How should migration within the European context be studied? These two books, from the standpoints of gender and rurality, tackle a phenomenon previously studied above all in urban contexts with male protagonists. With these new perspectives, the scientific view offers extra depth to an issue of recent social importance.

Tackling growing inequality in income distribution and wealth is a social challenge that demands an innovative approach. Academic Anthony B. Atkinson proposes 15 actions that combine old policies with new instruments.

Can education reduce social inequality? These two books, which talk to us about the theory of multiple intelligences and the importance of passion and perseverance, propose educational options for working in this direction.

The two books reviewed share concerns regarding the decline of the USA and show the problems facing the country. From different perspectives, both reach the same diagnosis regarding American society and the danger that threatens democracy.

High, middle or working class? Today’s society is demanding new categories. Based on the results of a survey carried out in the United Kingdom, Mike Savage goes beyond labels to explore how the concept of social class is evolving.

The reduction in aid programmes for vulnerable groups has caused an increase in situations of social exclusion in Europe. In this interview, Nick Axford explains to the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” how social protection policies are designed and the factors that intervene in the process.

On average, men earn more than women for the same jobs. However, although the crisis reduced average salaries for everyone, the related growth in unemployment affected men more than women.

Are there differences between the percentage of men and women aged over 60 years that are at risk of poverty? In Spain gender differences in the poverty risk rate among people aged over 60 years have practically disappeared.

Although the economic crisis has produced a generalised impoverishment of the different population segments in our country, the impact has been much greater among the poorer classes.

What is the impact of poverty and social exclusion on young people? This infographic shows social exclusion rates by age group and the different problem issues linked to youth unemployment.

These two works analyse, from the angles of psychology and sociology respectively, the increase in social opportunities for underprivileged children. The first proposes acting on the environment and the second, on individual capabilities. 

What is the rate for early leaving of education and training by sex? The Europe 2020 Strategy has a target of 15%.

Any household must face up to three challenges: having a sufficient income, maintaining a financial balance and avoiding situations of poverty. This report analyses the social needs linked to material living conditions.

Does education really remove social barriers? Robert Erikson analyses the degree of social mobility in advanced democracies.

Spanish families changed significantly in the last two decades. To what point do socioeconomic factors or family structure influence children’s progress at school?

Do we reproduce the behaviour of our parents? Aart Liefbroer talks to us about the intergenerational transmission of demographic behaviour.

How do economic problems affect family stability? The books reviewed tackle changes in gender roles at work and the instability generated by socioeconomic inequality.