Panem et circensis. Associative Culture in Francoism

Abstract

The Panem et circenses label applied to the associative culture of Franco’s system quickly resumes the governmental priorities of the Dictatorship in these years. The present pages synthetize the foundations of a coercive legislation which paralizes any associative practice beyond the Catholic Church and the Movimiento; the weak dimensions of the voluntary associationism before and after the 1964 year bill; the collaborationist role of the cooperatives and cooperative stores in the decrease of social confrontation; and the rising influence of the recreational and sports associations as the Régime is consolidated. Despite this, nonconformist options will raise and collaborate actively with Franco’s system fall and the democratic recovery in the Transition.