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
Titolo del capitolo
From a Patriarchal Welfare to a DIY Welfare. A Short History of Care Workers in Italy
Autori
Silvia Borrelli
Lingua
Inglese
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1029-4.11
Opera sottoposta a peer review
Anno di pubblicazione
2026
Copyright
© 2026 Author(s)
Licenza d'uso
Licenza dei metadati
Titolo del libro
CARE4CARE - We Care for Those Who Care - Vol. III
Sottotitolo del libro
Building Dignified Care Work in Europe: Critical Reflections, Policy Proposals and Practical Tools
Curatori
Maria Luisa Vallauri, William Chiaromonte
Opera sottoposta a peer review
Numero di pagine
408
Anno di pubblicazione
2026
Copyright
© 2026 Author(s)
Licenza d'uso
Licenza dei metadati
Editore
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
Collana
Studi sul lavoro di cura - Studies on Care Work