Precarious Workers: History of Debates, Political Mobilization, and Labor Reforms in Italy

Eloisa Bettis' monograph explores the history of precarious labor in Italy, from the post-war Keynesian stability to the post-Fordist phase, highlighting the exceptional politics of labor stability and the resurgence of labor precarity under the name of flexibility. It examines the perspectives of various actors, including intellectuals, scholars, politicians, and trade unionists, as well as the roles of labor law experts, politicians, and public servants in shaping labor regulations and the emergence of anti-precarity social movements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

The recent surge in social science scholarship on job precarity has largely ignored earlier manifestations of this phenomenon. Eloisa Bettis' monograph, through the example of Italy, compellingly demonstrates that precarious labor was a fundamental aspect of economic development even during the post-war phase of Keynesian stability and welfare state. She explores how exceptional politics of labor stability prevailed during this brief period. The volume then delves into the processes by which labor precarity regained momentum, under the guise of flexibility, in the post-Fordist phase from the early 1980s, taking on new forms during the Craxi and Berlusconi eras.

The analysis addresses a diverse range of actors involved in shaping the concept and debates on precarious work since the 1950s. The book gives voice to intellectuals, scholars, politicians, and trade unionists, who have contributed to framing the understanding and discussions surrounding precarious work. It investigates the perspectives of labor law experts, politicians, and public servants regarding labor regulations. Additionally, the book explores the positions of the precariat, encompassing a wide spectrum of individuals such as rural women, industrial homeworkers, blue-collar workers, physicians, university researchers, and trainees, shedding light on the emergence of anti-precarity social movements.

Furthermore, the book highlights the persistent role of women's associations and feminist groups in opposing labor precarity since the 1950s, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to combating this issue.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633864371