State, Market and Social Regulation : New Perspectives on Italy

This book, first published in 1990, analyzes the relative impact of class and status groups versus demographic composition and political structures on the growth of welfare spending in Italy.

Special attention is given to the role of the aged as representative of the importance of ascription and middle-class groups in welfare growth.

The authors conclude that the primary beneficiaries of welfare benefits are not the poor but middle income groups and that income inequality is reinforced by welfare spending.