ECONOMICS AND POLITICS OF WELFARE STATE

Course objectives

The course aims at providing the knowledge of history, theories and economic models for the running of institutions and welfare state systems. The instruments provided are especially functional to operate: - within institutions and research centers for formulation, application, assessment and control of economic and social policies; - within private institutions and in the no-profit sector, operating in the field of financing, services and social insurances; - within professions and jobs in the social field - at local, national and international level – and connected to the labour market operations. The acquisition of the knowledge aimed to deepen economic, social and institutional issues at the local, national and international level.

Channel 1
Raffaele Michele Tangorra Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Part I – The concepts 1. Introduction to the welfare state 1a. Definition, functions, boundaries. 1b. The other welfare actors 1c. Origins, development and crisis. 1d. Welfare state models. 2. Social spending. 2a. Comparison in time and space 2b. Gross and net social expenditure 2c. Cash benefts and benefits in kind 2d. Universalism and selectivity. 2e. The separation social security/assistance. 3. Economic theory of the Welfare State. 3a. Economic efficiency. The fundamental theorems of welfare economics 3b. Theories of social justice 3c. Market failures Part II – Policies 4. Poverty and inequality 4a. Poverty indicators 4b. The long road towards a minimum income in Italy 4c. Inequality. Indicators and policies 5. Pension systems. 5a. Pay-as-you-go and fully funded system 5b. Pension calculation: defined benefit and defined contribution 5c. The reasons for public intervention 5d. The distribution of risks between generations 5e. The Italian pension system 6. Healthcare systems 6a. Health and healthcare 6b. The reasons for public intervention 6c. Models in a comparative perspective 6d. The Italian healthcare system 7. Unemployment benefits. 7a. The reasons for public intervention 7b. Unemployment benefits and effects on the labor market 7c. The Italian social safety net system 7d. Active labor market policies
Prerequisites
Exam of Economia politica.
Books
Raffaele Tangorra, Economia e politica del welfare state, a.a. 2025-26 (mimeo) Further reading (not required): Nicholas Barr, The Economics of the Welfare State (Oxford University Press)
Frequency
Attendance in person is highly recommended, although not mandatory
Exam mode
Passing a written test that includes open-ended questions on the topics developed during the course
Lesson mode
The teaching method involves frontal lessons and interactions with students in person. Considering the specificity of the course, the importance of regular attendance is highlighted
  • Lesson code1018171
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseEconomics and Finance
  • CurriculumEconomia e cooperazione internazionale
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDSECS-P/02
  • CFU6