Abstract

The paper reviews the rationale for using vouchers and the most important uses of vouchers in social policies and in private exchanges. It focuses on the most significant programs at the European level, also in relation with the American food stamps, on the Italian «Social Card», and on other relevant regional experiences. Private uses concern the Italian «buono lavoro» and gift and incentive vouchers. Furthermore, it discusses the motivations that the economic theory provides in order to support the use of different type of vouchers but also possible drawbacks.