Abstract

The author sketches the historical and systemic evolution of the Italian system of social security from the liberal origin in late XIX century, following the Bismarck pattern, through the (scarce) influence of the fascist corporatism, to the constitutional model (art. 38). In the seven decays of the Republic, the system went across a period of ambiguous evolution - the '50s and '60s -; made an attempt of universalistic protection - the national health service - and enacted some contradictory measures, mainly in the field of pensions (retirement, old age, invalidity, survivors). The recurrent economic and financial crises of the last quarter of century, and the hegemony of the neo-laissez-faire thought and politics, forced some modifications without a clear model: sometimes inspired by old criteria sometimes forecasting an uncertain future. The most recent "austerity", further fostering economic inequality, has greatly frustrated welfare aims. The author does not draw any conclusion from his analysis, but stresses the necessity for politics to regain the value of equality and dignity of human beings.