The article analyses recent developments in families and social policy-making in Spain. First, the impact that «superwomen» have had in underpinning Spanish welfare arrangements in the last decades is analysed. The latter type of mater familias, that has contributed decisively to the economic prosperity and stability of the country, is gradually vanishing. Rapid societal change has encouraged social policy-making in order to provide with new public benefits and services to support families. In subsequent sections of the article, public programmes and legislation carried out by PP (1996-2004) and Psoe (2004- ). Governments are reviewed contrasting the approaches taken by both main Spanish political parties in recent years. Concluding remarks underline the idea that what was considered to be a «women’s issue» can no longer be coped with «behind-closed-doors».only subscribers can see the full article

In 2006 Spain introduced a new public long-term care programme regarding the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for Dependent Persons. The paper develops an analysis of the main social and political factors and mechanisms driving this importantreform. The factors of innovation are identified, by considering cultural changes related to responsibility for care, new facts emerging in the organisation and provision of are, the policy legacy factors. In the second part the institutional mechanism of decision making and implementation is described and the new model of Ltc provision that have been established in Spain is described, focusing on the extension of coverage, the intensity of protection offered, and the sharing of responsibilities between central and local authorities.only subscribers can see the full article