Social Changes and Better Health Conditions of the Portuguese Population 1974-2000

Abstract

The comparison between statistical data on collective behaviours of Portuguese population for the last 30 years and social and economic changes shows that rapid social changes does not necessarily have to cause a health crisis. The new political regime during the last quarter of the 20th century coincides with a redirection of the policy towards a welfare system more similar to the one in other Western European countries. Portugal’s integration into the European Union was another potential reason for the remarkable improvement that has taken place economically, socially and demographically. Life expectancy for women is today at the same level as in the rest of the EU, while it lags behind with a few years for men. However the Portuguese case needs further investigation analysis before it is possible to give a more precise explanation for the notable progresses of the last decades, and can represent an example of the way politics can enhance social cohesion and social stability, smoothing the potential negative effects of rapid changes.