ABSTRACT
Raúl Molina Recio (Chapter 9) examines an extensive period of social change in Spain between 1600 and 1800 which challenged a traditional social and usually immobile social hierarchy, organised around those who were privileged and those who were not. Yet important differentiation was also evident within these two broad categories. Access to the vital commodity money was the most important variable permitting social advance. Those at the upper levels of Spanish imposed constraints on those able to ascend socially, which was only partly successful. However multiple mechanisms were also available to rise socially by means of the purchase of offices, positions within the state administration and the Church. Minorities and non‐Spaniards also could take these routes. Conspicuous display became important markers of social ascent as did the crafting of aristocratic genealogies, including those simply invented. Whilst some ascended, others experienced decline and the ultimate outcome was the emergence of a transformed elite and a partial social revolution.
