A Regime Approach

Abstract

This chapter develops the theoretical framework within which Italian poverty characteristics and drivers should be understood, in a European comparative perspective. Following Polanyi’s approach, it argues that poverty is the outcome of modes of regulation of social processes that, on one hand, shape the system of opportunities and disadvantages, and, on the other, expose specific social groups to the risk of poverty. These modes of regulation are historically rooted and involve economic processes, family and social forms of solidarities, gender arrangements and cultural norms and representations. Based on various indicators, the chapter delineates five types of poverty regimes within the EU, which differ both in levels and intensity of poverty and in the specific dimensions of vulnerability.