The aim of this essay is to bring out the efforts of European researchers to construct significant measurements of the different dimensions of social cohesion, with particular attention to Italy and Germany. Systematic comparison between European countries shows Italy as being less cohesive than Germany, even bearing in mind that both are less cohesive than Scandinavian countries. The attempt to verify the differences in the reaction to the recent economic-financial crisis seems to indicate a correlation between low cohesion and the negative impact of the crisis on employment and poverty. The second part of the essay describes analyses by international bodies of the different impact of the crisis on living conditions in European countries. Lastly, the weight of investments in the service sector is considered, particularly public services, for a better reaction to the crisis. The characteristics of the German model of the «social market economy» emerge well, as a result of the opportunities they offer to combat the excesses of market logics.only subscribers can see the full article

Starting from the voice of populations, the article aims to define the social gap in terms of existing wellbeing at local level. To do that, the distinguishing features of which are the distribution of rights, opportunities, goods and expectations among the inhabitants rather than the social, economic and interactive measures to reduce them. Without criteria and indicators that are functional to this aim we cannot define the concept of progress, knowing that associating it with the idea of an unlimited Gross domestic product no longer makes sense in the present age. Where progress may be unlimited is in the immaterial field of the social, environmental and institutional ties that are indispensable for ensuring that everyone’s contribution has been recognized and competences and resources made best use of. Making this field explicit and the specific object of progress requires the wellbeing of all being defined with methods and measures that encourage citizen interaction. The article also summarizes the participatory methodology promoted by the Council of Europe for defining the wellbeing of all.only subscribers can see the full article

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