This work investigates the evolution of the Spanish family unit from 1700 to 1970 to determine how social, economic, and cultural shifts influenced domestic structures. David S. Reher utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, synthesizing demographic data and historical records to analyze how the family functioned as a responsive unit within Spain's changing landscape. The text argues that the family was not a static institution but a dynamic entity that adapted to the specific constraints of its era. By examining these three centuries, the author provides a framework for understanding the long-term transformation of Spanish society.

Experts recognize this text as a foundational study for understanding the historical development of the Spanish family. Scholars frequently cite the book for its rigorous use of demographic data and its ability to bridge the gap between social history and sociology.