The distributive implications of welfare reform packages. The Italian case during and after the great crisis

ABSTRACT

The paper analyses the pension reforms implemented during and after the Great Crisis in Italy (2011–2019), and evaluates whether a recalibration of the pension system and, more in general, of the Italian welfare state was involved. More specifically, through a multidimensional theoretical framework, the article assesses the distributive implications of the pension reforms not only within the pension realm but also by considering their interplay with those reforms that occurred in three specific sectors - namely, the labour market, the family, and anti-poverty policies. Pension reforms therefore are analysed in terms of welfare reform packages, where old and new policy instruments from different social policy fields are included. The work shows that recalibrating the Italian welfare state is still very difficult.

KEYWORDS:

• Pension policy
• new social risk policies
• reform packages
• welfare reforms
• recalibration

Notes

1 The reform packages of the Berlusconi government (2008-2011) are not part of this analysis. While it is true that the government introduced several (retrenching) measures for dealing with the deteriorating economic conditions, the peak of the crisis was in 2011 and was essentially managed by the Monti government.

2 Most of the advanced economies have promoted a minimum income scheme already during the Golden Age, therefore for those countries this measure can be considered as an old anti-poverty policy instrument. However, until 2017 Italy lacked a minimum safety net in the case of uninsured unemployment. Therefore, for the Italian case, such a measure can be seen as a new anti-poverty policy instrument.

3 Though some elements contradictory to the contributory system’s logic were included, in particular the very restrictive conception of flexible age.

4 In order to be entitled to this benefit, the mother had to waive parental leave.

5 The long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities or those assisting the seriously disabled, and selected ‘demanding’ occupations.

6 First of all, blue collars and the service low-skilled workers, using Daniel Oesch’s terminology.