Even though the crisis slowed down the “second metamorphosis” suggested in last year’s report (see our dispatch No. 081009), three transformation processes are nevertheless underway: the restructuring of the tertiary sector, the growing recognition of social leadership in businesses, ad the transformation of social and political representation, which “lost its identity pressure (class, social group movement,)” Italians increasingly defend their interests via direct action rather than by delegating. However, this last trend didn’t prevent a slight decline in social disputes compared with 2008, with a 0.4% drop in striking hours.
risis, relying on its main strengths: finance, which didn’t prevail over the real economy; the banking sector, very present in the country; and a more “elastic” and “protected” labor market – allegedly, hidden labor represents 19% of the GDP – permanent contracts are still the norm and there are social dampers.
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