The Basque Country (pdf, 4,3Mb) - Kultura Saila - Euskadi.net

At the end of the nineteenth century the entire system was
transformed by industrialisation, which brought about a capitalist
class, middle class and petty bourgeoisie, as well as professionals,
farmers, fishermen, and a salaried working class.
Small and medium industrial enterprise has grown today, as has
the number of technicians and professionals; the working class
and its interests have diversified and more women have entered
the work force in a society with a growing service sector.
The new wave of immigrant workers is smaller than in the past but
the cultures are more diversified; industrial estates are spreading
into predominantly rural areas; behaviour focuses more on the
role of the individual; and social mobility is on the rise (change in
profession and geographic area).
3.1. The evolution of society
Surveys referring exclusively to Euskadi show significant changes
in values in recent years.
Family and work are the highest-ranking values among the Basque
population. Other values have gained importance in recent years,
such as politics and leisure activities, while others, including
religion, have become less important. Traditionally the Basques
have been a very religious people (Catholic), and therefore the
Church and religious ceremonies still play a significant role in
social customs and rituals surrounding birth, life and death.
The Basques have a strong work ethic, which explains their
reputation as a hard-working people. A century and a half of
experience in industry have developed an enterprising spirit
and tenacious discipline among the population, in addition to
technical expertise and an appreciation for a job well done and
appropriately compensated.
The institution of marriage is not considered out of fashion;
respect and faithfulness are seen as important values in marriage.
In relationships between children and parents the most highly
regarded values are sacrifice, respect and love. Children are
brought up in an atmosphere of tolerance.
The role of women has undergone major changes over the years.
In addition to equal rights between men and women, the role
of the single mother is accepted, and divorce and abortion are
permitted when considered necessary.
Respect toward women is not surprising in a society where,
although not actually matriarchal, a great deal of responsibility
was historically placed on the housewife (etxekoandre in Euskara)
and on the family itself.
Basque Civil Law was much more egalitarian than traditional
common law until recent reforms were introduced making all
legislation equal in this sense. Nevertheless, women were not on
equal legal footing with men, and even today there are pockets of
social resistance to change and to modernising certain traditions
(i.e., the Alarde parades in Irun and Hondarribia).
In the realm of politics, freedom and equality are the most
staunchly defended values. The overall mentality of the population
is progressive, and there is more interest in politics here than in
other places, as well as a greater disposition to participate in
public affairs. However, during a period of time there was certain
amount of tolerance for political violence.
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Technology park, Zamudio,
Bizkaia.
El Pobal Ironworks, Muskiz, Bizkaia.