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.

Historically, technology has transformed many professions. How will technological development affect future employment? The Social Observatory of “la Caixa” analyses the situation in Spain with regard to “risk of computerisation”.

Science is a very relevant activity in economic terms, which also has a very favourable social perception. However, Spain invests less in R&D than the rest of the European countries, confirming a gap between citizens' attitudes and the will of politicians and businesses.

Is it countries with resources that make the biggest investment in science? Or is it that countries that devote the most efforts to science are those that generate the greatest wealth? This is the opening question of the third "la Caixa" Social Observatory Dossier, which analyses the current social context of science and to what extent it represents a value-added contribution to our society. 

On the global economic map drawn up by the financial crisis of 2008, the emerging countries are displacing the developed countries in the attracting of foreign investment in R&D. What factors influence this phenomenon and how does it affect countries such as Spain?

In what areas will science and technological innovation have a positive impact in the next 15 years? The view of citizens.

Open Access means the online and free availability of the results of research. In Spain, the proportion of accessible and restriction-free documents stands above the European Union average.

This indicator offers a view of the distribution of university research work between men and women. Women represent just 21% of chair professors.

What is the percentage of people employed in knowledge-intensive activities? In Spain, approximately a third of the population, slightly below the European average.

How many students aged over 15 years have excellent results in sciences and how many hope to undertake a research-related career? In 2015, some 28.6% of Spanish students wanted to work in a scientific profession.

This indicator shows a view of innovation from an economic, environmental and social perspective. In 2015, the Spanish eco-innovation index was situated above that of the European Union.

The total number of applications for patents is an indicator of companies' innovation effort. Specifically, those focusing on societal challenges measure the level of application of technology related with the environment and health.

What are the possibilities for innovative ideas reaching the market in each country? In 2014, Sweden was the European Union country with the highest transfer of innovation to the market, whereas Portugal occupied the opposite position.

This index allows comparison of the level of innovation in different regions. Measuring variables such as infrastructures, business activity or tangible results, it shows that in Spain there is still much work to be done.

How much do countries invest in R&D? In more dynamic economies, the business sector is the major funder, whereas in Southern Europe, the governments lead investment.

Economic crises bring with them numerous political decisions that affect healthcare systems. In this article by the Social Observatory of “la Caixa”, we analyse the effects of the crisis on the reform of the long-term care system in European countries.

Forest fires are a recurring problem that destroy tens of thousands of hectares of woodland every year. In this article by the Social Observatory of “la Caixa”, we analyse sustainable solutions for the long term within a "green employment strategy". 

We interview Lee Rainie and Cary Funk, the heads of Internet, Science and Technology research at the Pew Research Center, the USA’s most prestigious fact tank.

How does music influence our wellbeing? This article by the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” describes how various researchers, healthcare practitioners and other professionals interpret the relationship that exists between music and happiness.

In this interview, John O’Hagan explains the numerous benefits that the arts bring to society, from their contribution to the formation of a collective identity to their positive impact on the economy.

"What purpose does science serve in current times? Is it for the common good or for the benefit of just a few? Science needs to learn humility and be prepared to admit it when a solution cannot be given.” Andrea Saltelli, researcher at the University of Bergen and at ICTA Barcelona, talks about the current crisis affecting science and its possible solutions.

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.

Climate change is a very complex problem, and its possible solutions may not be a matter of true or false, but of better or worse. We review two books that talk about how this debate is ceasing to be a technical and rational question to become a question of values and lifestyles.

The level of cultural participation in our country is similar to that of other European countries, with the exception of the Nordic countries. From a comparative perspective, this article by the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” analyses the effects of education level, age, income and some variables of the employment situation on attendance rates.

Alan Daly, Chair Professor of Education at the University of California, offers in this interview granted to the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” a view of the role of personal relations in the world of education, in which he highlights the concept of social capital.

How can we tackle living with uncertainty? We analyse two books that provide a critical view and a philosophical focus to try to help manage our expectations regarding the future and the tools that science offers us to try to predict it.

What diseases are caused by the pollutants that we release into the environment? Why do they affect children most? What repercussion do these illnesses have on health and the economy? We interview Leonardo Trasande, professor at New York University and an expert on the subject.

The level of satisfaction with life varies according to age groups. The younger population tends to show higher levels of satisfaction.

What is the implication of young people in political activities and volunteering? In 2015, one in every ten young people took part in volunteering activities through an organisation.

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.

Youth unemployment in Spain is of a structural nature, accentuated in recent years by the economic crisis. In the last two decades, youth unemployment has practically doubled general unemployment.

What is the education level reached by young people aged between 25 and 34 years? In comparison with other countries, there is a high proportion of young adults with basic and tertiary education.

How has the economic situation changed between 2005 and 2015 for young people who live with their parents? Young men leave the parental home nearly two years later than young women.

What percentage of the total represents the child and youth population? In the year 2015, a third of the Spanish population was aged below 30 years.

The relationship between young people and the labour market is the central theme of this second Dossier from the “la Caixa” Social Observatory. The effect of the economic crisis on youth unemployment in the countries in our area will be a key factor to take into account when profiling the welfare states of tomorrow.

Michael Marmot, director de Instituto de Equidad y Salud del University College London, explica los mecanismos que vinculan la desigualdad social con una mala salud, así como las políticas que deberían ponerse en marcha para reducirlas.

How can the occupational integration of people in a situation of or at risk of social exclusion be promoted? Rosa Suñol, director of the Avedis Donabedian Institute, explains the situation in Spain and the solutions that are being applied.

Numerous diagnoses exist relating to the increase in youth unemployment caused by the economic crisis. The article reflects on the effectiveness of policies generated according to these diagnoses and, especially, on the European Recommendation of the Youth Guarantee.

The economic crisis has affected the labour market for young people in Spain, especially for those with a low level of education. This situation needs to be reverted to avoid many under-30s ultimately suffering from exclusion.

Between the years 2007 and 2013, the difficulties faced in employment, housing and health worsened considerably in Spain. This article by the Social Observatory of "la Caixa” reflects on the problems that have intensified social exclusion which affects, above all, the younger population.

The economic crisis experienced by Spain has led to increasing numbers of young people opting to prolong their education given the lack of job prospects. This fact has caused overqualification among young people and the consolidation of unemployment.

How can we ensure that biomedical research is aligned with social needs? This article from the Social Observatory of “la Caixa” analyses how resources could be assigned efficiently.

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.

Today, thanks to policies aimed at reconciling working life and family life, increasing numbers of men are taking parental leave to be able to raise their newborn children. These new policies represent progress towards gender equality, but in Spain a significant difference still exists between men and women in the usage they make of parental leave entitlements.

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.

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?

Atmospheric contamination causes 7 million deaths every year. María Neira, director of the WHO department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, explains how policies focusing on improving people’s health also benefit the planet.

Has mass access of Spaniards to intermediate and higher education been associated with a deterioration in the quality of educational qualifications, as some international bodies have warned?

Despite its perception in recent years, education continues to be a very effective vehicle for social promotion, as well as a more significant factor than social origin in providing access to the professional classes.