The difference between the average performances of students with a higher or lower socioeconomic level, in 2015 in Spain, was 80 points in the three core skills: reading (80), science and maths (82). This is equivalent to an estimated delay of two years of teaching (the registered advancement in one school year represents around 40 points in the tests).
In recent years, suicidal behaviours among young people have become
consolidated as one of the main causes of non-natural deaths in this age
group. This study analyses the prevalence of such behaviours and the
associated risk and protection factors in students aged between 16 and 22
years in Catalonia.
How is social inequality distributed in Spain? The upper and middle classes
account for 33%, the middle and lower-middle classes for 24%, and the low
and very low classes for 43% of the population.
People aged from 60 to 75 years show favourable attitudes towards seeking
help for mental health, especially women, people with higher levels of
education, and those who have previously received psychological care.
However, a lack of knowledge of the resources available and difficulties
perceived in accessing them continue to be major obstacles.
Racism and discrimination cause a deterioration of well-being and increase
the risk of social isolation of racialized migrants. This study shows that
social mentoring does not increase well-being in general, but acts as a
protective factor: it prevents discrimination from translating into greater
loneliness and contributes to maintaining social bonds of inclusion.
This study provides empirical data on social inclusion policies in Spain,
showing significant impacts on employment, social support, education,
digital skills and housing. The outcomes reinforce the importance of
designing evidence-based public policies.