After some prefatory remarks on the recent change in the meaning of «reform», a term now also used by the free-trade right as a means of attacking social and labour protection, the author dwells on what he describes as the socio-anthropological component of social protection. It is thanks to this basis of resources and rights, gained over time, that the modern individual is formed as an effective member of a «society of fellow-men». Fundamentally for this reason, in the present trend towards a «society of individuals» there is greater need for social protection, not less. This in turn should be modified, linking new rights to what are now unignorable requirements of flexibility and mobility.only subscribers can see the full article

I want first of all to consider a question: what made Cgil decide to take up the subject of integrated policies? We came to that point trying above all to understand what were the most critical features of the traditional welfare system compared with present innovations in this economic and social context. We set off in this direction because we were convinced that welfare is best defended if its critical features are rationally identified and new proposals put forward. Let us analyse some of its characteristics. First, we all know about the extraordinary changes in technology and production that have revolutionised the modern world, starting from the field of computers and communications. We also know about the potential of technology to provide greater autonomy, planning capacity for the workers themselves, and opportunities for a qualified job or a job that is deliberately chosen.only subscribers can see the full article