Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to suggest the guidelines of an integrated model between "Third Sector-State-Market" in the administration of welfare services. For this purpose, we have found useful to provide - in terms of "path dependence" - the cardinal points of the historical process that led to the current welfare system. In fact, in Italian and European experience, the historical roots of the current system date back to the Middle Ages: and this is the second driver of our research. Finally, the goal of this study is the identification of a welfare system, new in some respect, with powers and responsibilities shared and distributed among the different actors in terms of partnership, which aims at promoting the acquisition of "community empowerment". May be, this, the starting point to build a new type of society?