Realidad y perspectivas de la historia de las mentalidades

Abstract

Research on “the history of mentalities” has intensified in Spain since 1982. These studies, however, almost exclusively center on “religious mentalities” an tend to be based on a sole source. Moreover, the fact that none go back further than the 17th century makes it difficult to retrace the tensions existing between popular and official religious behaviors, which were to determine the behavioral patterns of future generations.

The “family history”, which also appeared during this period, closely reflects the social reality that it helped to determine. This field of study was furthered by the advances in differential demography.

Future researchers will have to ask themselves whether the economical structures and circunstances influenced family behavior, or whether, as the author believes, family history was what directed the development of economic possibilities.