Social policies and the non-profit sector in Italy: A critique of the ideologies of contracting out

On the basis of analysis of the Italian situation, this article presents some general considerations on certain theoretical issues arising from the development of modern systems of welfare-mix. According to a conviction now institutionalized in numerous countries, the introduction of formalized contracts should play a crucial role in creating cooperation between the public and non-profit sectors in social services delivery, thereby enabling full advantage to be taken of the strategic-managerial abilities of non-profit agencies while allowing government apparatuses to conduct appropriate supervision. Contrary to expectations, however, it seems that the introduction of contracts has not revitalized the welfare system. Indeed, these contracts tend to give rise to the progressive cultural 'colonization' of solidarist organizations by the public bureaucracy. In order to launch an effective welfare-mix system, modernization is required not only of the forms of contracting but also of the mentality governing the entire bargaining process. The article analyses the reasons for this failure and proposes a number of solutions that might produce more efficient and effective policies.