Amor e políticas sociais. O caso das autarquias

Comparing data in an international framework, the paper illustrates the condition of social welfare in Italy, especially for local government administrations. Recent studies show that social policies have only limited impact on contrast of inequalities and on prevention of vulnerability. On this base the paper individuates two lines of action for social work and social policies: interventions on the enlargement of accessibility, self-determination and freedom of choice (especially for professional aid), and interventions toward the enlargement of participation, and concerted planning among different actors. At the end the authors collect some best practices at local level, which are based on gratuity and surplus, with the aim of sharing experiences and improving love culture in political and organizational contexts.