Invecchiamento della popolazione, mercato del lavoro e welfare: una introduzione critica

This paper introduces the main topics discussed by the various contributions to this special issue of the journal on the impact of the ageing process on the labour market, pensions, health, long term care, and genders. After a quick look at the ageing process at the global level, the paper considers the impact of ageing on the labour market, in theory and in practice, with a particular concern for Italy. It then critically illustrates the two main pension reforms endeavoured in Italy in view of the ageing process. First the paper illustrates the various obstacles to the creation of a fully funded scheme and critically weigh up the attempt to set it up done in Italy in 2007 by employing the TFR (severance pay). The transformation of the Italian pay-as-you-go scheme in 1992-1995 from a defined benefit in a notional defined contribution scheme is appraised next. The paper concludes by viewing the ageing problem as a political issue regarding income distribution among social groups and not one of inter-generational conflict.