Traditional and Modern Values in Spain: A-Level Study Guide

Los valores tradicionales y modernos

News and Current Events

• El 26,5% de los españoles entre 30 y 34 años aún vive con sus padres

• Los jóvenes españoles de hasta 35 años son los que se sienten afectivamente más cerca de sus padres de toda la UE

• Los divorcios descienden y alcanzan la cifra más baja desde 2011 a excepción del año de la pandemia

• España registró 322.075 nacimientos en 2023, la cifra de natalidad más baja desde 1941

• Aumentan las madres solteras por elección en España (video)

• La era de los 'perrhijos': así se afianza el modelo de familia multiespecie en un país con más perros que niños

• El papa visita una España donde solo el 10% de los jóvenes se declara católico practicante

• Ramadán y juventud: entre cumplir la tradición y la libertad religiosa en España

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Vocabulary list - Los valores tradicionales y modernos

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Spanish films and series

1. Todo sobre mi madre (1999) - Directed by Pedro Almodóvar (Spain)

This iconic Spanish film explores themes of family, identity, and societal expectations. Through the story of a mother searching for her son's father, the film delves into issues of gender roles, sexuality, and the tension between traditional family structures and modern, more inclusive definitions of family. It's an excellent resource for discussing how traditional values clash with and adapt to contemporary social norms in Spanish-speaking societies.

2. Ocho apellidos vascos (2014) - Directed by Emilio Martínez-Lázaro (Spain)

This comedy highlights the cultural differences within Spain, particularly between the more traditional Basque Country and the more modern, urban areas of southern Spain. The film humorously portrays the clash of values, traditions, and stereotypes as the characters navigate relationships and identity. It's a great way to explore regional diversity in Spain and how these differences reflect broader discussions on traditional versus modern values.

3. La Casa de las Flores (2018-2020) - Created by Manolo Caro (Mexico) - NETFLIX

This Mexican series mixes dark comedy with drama and centers on a wealthy family that owns a flower shop. It tackles themes of family secrets, societal expectations, and the tension between maintaining traditional appearances and embracing modern identities, such as LGBTQ+ issues. The series offers insights into the changing dynamics of family values in Latin America, making it relevant for discussions on how traditional values are challenged by modern realities.

4. Roma (2018) - Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (Mexico)

Set in the 1970s, this critically acclaimed film follows the life of a domestic worker in a middle-class family in Mexico City. It juxtaposes traditional gender roles and class divisions with the political and social upheavals of the time. The film provides a window into the traditional values of Mexican society, especially concerning family and class, while also showing how these are evolving. It's a powerful film for discussing the impact of modernization on social structures.

5. El laberinto del fauno (Pan's Labyrinth) (2006) - Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Spain/Mexico)

This dark fantasy film is set during the early years of Franco's regime in Spain and contrasts the harsh realities of a dictatorial society with the innocence of childhood. It explores themes of obedience, authority, and rebellion, all central to the traditional values upheld by the regime. The film's rich symbolism makes it ideal for discussions on how traditional values can be imposed by political power and the resistance they can inspire.

6. Coco (2017) - Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina (Mexico/USA) - DISNEY +

While this animated film was made in collaboration with Disney and Pixar, it is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and traditions. The film centers around Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and explores themes of family, memory, and cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of traditional values in maintaining cultural identity, while also showing how younger generations negotiate these traditions in a modern context. It's a fantastic resource for discussing how modernity interacts with deeply rooted traditions in Latin America.

7. Elite (2018-Present) - Created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona (Spain) - NETFLIX

Elite explores the clash between traditional and modern values in the lives of students at an elite Spanish private school. The series tackles themes like social inequality, LGBTQ+ identity, and generational conflict, highlighting how younger characters challenge conservative family expectations. It’s an excellent resource for examining the tension between old and new values in contemporary Spanish society, providing insights into class dynamics, privilege, and the evolving role of social norms.