Mercato e strumenti del welfare: prospettive di riforma degli ammortizzatori sociali al tempo della crisi economica

The economic crisis is forcing governments to undertake structural reforms in social security systems. The thesis examines the relationship between market and welfare systems, in the light of recent socio-economic theories, which maintain that a convergence of objectives between social and economic policies is possible, in order to enhance the competitiveness of businesses and increase employment. Based on the comparison with the anti-crisis policies adopted by other Member States and bearing in mind the guidelines of European social policy, in particular as outlined in the Lisbon Strategy for 2020, the research identifies the most important critical points in the existing system of social safety valves in Italy. Taking into account the changes introduced by Act 92 of 2012, the findings indicate a persistent imbalance in Italian welfare policies towards mere subsidy policies , having a character predominantly aid-orientated, notwithstanding the introduction of more stringent qualification parameters- and this as a system of active labour market policies continues to manifests significant shortcomings.