Abstract
According to the recent comparative welfare state theory, Italy is classified as a "Mediterranean country" and her institutional level of social services are "remarkably low". The reasons for this low evaluation of Italian welfare can be explained by (1) the gap between north and south, (2) decentralization of power, (3) a lack of public data. On the contrary, there are some interesting social policies being implemented on the regional level, and especially in the northern part of Italy. This paper discusses the case of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna, which has dealt with ageing problems since the 1960s, and adopted a strategy of deinstitutionalization for the care services for elderly people. I examine the three issues below: (1) Demographic changes of the ageing society in Italy. (2) The history of social policies for elderly people in the city of Bologna/Emilia Romagna from the 1960s to today. (3) The current residential care programs in some areas of Bologna. As a result of the analysis regarding these issues, I attempt to show the advanced and experimental nature of the programs that help to care for elderly people in Bologna.
