This paper shows how Italy has shifted from a familistic; patriarchal welfare model to a “DIY welfare” system in which families are largely left to meet care needs through the private market. Using an intersectional feminist lens; it shows how this transformation has relied heavily on migrant women employed in domestic and long-term care; often under weak legal protection and widespread exploitation. The analysis links paid and unpaid care; highlighting a care–job insecurity trap and growing inequalities in access to quality services. The paper concludes by arguing for a Care State model grounded in redistribution; stronger public provision; and fair labour standards.
University of Ferrara, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0002-6440-3701
Chapter Title
From a Patriarchal Welfare to a DIY Welfare. A Short History of Care Workers in Italy
Authors
Silvia Borrelli
Language
English
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1029-4.11
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
CARE4CARE - We Care for Those Who Care - Vol. III
Book Subtitle
Building Dignified Care Work in Europe: Critical Reflections, Policy Proposals and Practical Tools
Editors
Maria Luisa Vallauri, William Chiaromonte
Peer Reviewed
Number of Pages
408
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1029-4
ISBN Print
979-12-215-1028-7
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-1029-4
eISBN (epub)
979-12-215-1030-0
Series Title
Studi sul lavoro di cura - Studies on Care Work