This essay uses the financial dimension to analyse the present state of social regionalism in Italy following the profound changes that have affected the territorial organisation of responsibilities and functions. The picture that emerges is characterised by the persistence of various historical features of but also by some signs of change indicative of a desire by the regions to play a leading role. The combination of these two elements offers the prospect of opportunities, but also risks that could be related to the present territorial imbalance of social policy on a regional dimension.only subscribers can see the full article

This contribution analyses the present state of social regionalism in Italy through the financial dimension, following the profound changes that have overtaken the territorial organisation of responsibilities and functions. What emerges is a picture with a series of persistent features, rooted in certain historical factors that have accompanied the role of the Regions in social policies, but also some signs of change that indicate a desire on the part of the Regions to take the centre of the stage. The combination of these two elements offers possibile opportunities, but also risks that may be connected to the current territorial weighting of social policies towards the Regions.only subscribers can see the full article