The course clarifies the concepts of Social Policies and Welfare State in a comparative perspective, by using a critical approach and with reference to relevant theoretical traditions (policy studies).
Ferrera, M. (2019). Le politiche sociali. Third Edition. Bologna, Il Mulino.
Naldini, M. (2006). Le politiche sociali in Europa. Roma, Carocci. [TBC] Capitoli I e III.
Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2015). Le politiche di welfare. Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo III.
Gori, C., Ghetti, V., Rusmini, G., & Tidoli, R. (2014). Il welfare sociale in Italia. Realtà e prospettive. Roma, Carocci. Capitoli V e XI.
N.B. For the final exam, students have to choose two additional chapters/articles from the following reading list:
1) Pavolini, E. (2005). Le politiche per gli anziani non autosufficienti. In: Vicarelli, G. (a cura di) (2005). Il malessere del Welfare, Liguori.
2) Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2015). Le politiche di welfare. Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo VIII.
3) Bricocoli, M. e Centemeri, L. (2005) “Abitare tra l’alloggio e la città. Quando le politche entrano in casa”. In: Bifulco, L. (a cura di), Le politiche sociali. Temi e prospettive emergenti. Roma, Carocci, pp. 135-54.
4) Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2015). Le politiche di welfare. Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo V.
5) Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2015). Le politiche di welfare. Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo IV.
6) Ranci, C., & Pavolini, E. (2015). Le politiche di welfare. Bologna, Il Mulino. Capitolo VII.
7) Saraceno. C. (2009). Le politiche della famiglia in Europa: tra convergenza e diversificazione. In: Stato e mercato, 29(1), pp. 3-30.
8) Saraceno, C. (2014). Simmetrie perverse. I paradossi delle politiche di contrasto alla povertà negli anni della crisi in Italia. In: Social Policies, 1(1), pp. 27-40.
The reading material relative to the preliminary written examination (which will happen towards the end of the Module II) will be available on MOODLE in due course.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives:
1) A solid knowledge of the Italian Welfare State in a critical and comparative perspective;
2) the ability to create relevant links between theory and practice.
Prerequisites
A relatively good knowledge of classical sociological theory is desirable but not essential.
Teaching Methods
Interactive lectures; seminars; group exercises; in-class discussions.
Further information
Please, see the MOODLE learning space and the lecturer’s web page (Alessandro Pratesi)
Type of Assessment
In class participation and debates; written mid-term exam; final written examination.
Course program
The course provides a theoretical and comparative approach to the analysis and understanding of the Italian Welfare State. The first part of the course, theoretically oriented, reconstructs the historical origins of the modern Welfare State and focuses on the specificities of the Italian model (an almost ideal typical model of the Mediterranean welfare state) in relation to other European welfare models, with a specific consideration of the new social risks. The second part of the course (II and III module), provides a deeper exploration and analysis of specific public policies: pension policies, work policies, health and social care policies, family policies, migration policies, housing policies, etc. In each of these areas, the foundations and the characteristics of the current Italian welfare state are examined in broad terms, highlighting its complexities through a comparison with other European states and discussing its ability to respond to the multiple challenges emerging from ongoing social transformations and economic crises. A general evaluation of the developments of the deficient Italian welfare, potential gaps in the current literature, and the analysis of possible future scenarios complete the course.
Towards the end of the second module, the students will have the opportunity to verify their knowledge through a written examination based on open questions. The reading list for the mid-term exam will be communicated in due course and a review session before the exam will be provided.