Abstract

This paper aims to examine the main arguments of the current academic debate on social rights through a comparative reading of five relevant writings. In the first part, the issue of the "foundation" of social rights is analyzed from a theoretical perspective, while, in the second part, reflections are presented on the controversial matter of their "applicability"—with particular reference to a context of economic and political crisis. In the third part, new "frontiers" are mentioned, with reference to the European scenario and the multiple levels of the protection of social rights (considered as fundamental rights).