Cohort: SOMET 39th 

Topic of the thesis: Why do not recipients become receivers? An analysis of the causes of non-take-up of social benefits in Italy

Abstract: The research project is designed to undertake an investigation into and gain an understanding of the factors contributing to the phenomenon of non-take-up of anti-poverty policies at the local level in Italy. Specifically, the project seeks to reorient the analytical focus from a national scale to the intricacies of the local welfare context, delving into the intricate dynamics of policy implementation and procedures. While existing research has predominantly concentrated on assessing the effectiveness and ramifications of social policies through an examination of the practical application of social measures, this research adopts an alternative perspective. It places particular emphasis on marginalized groups who are eligible for social benefits but do not avail themselves of these entitlements, addressing the issue of underutilization. This approach is posited as a potentially fruitful strategy. The project is guided by four principal objectives. Firstly, it aspires to enhance extant research by undertaking the organization and synthesis of available quantitative data. Secondly, it intends to integrate qualitative data, encompassing the broader social context within which benefit recipients are situated, with the aim of achieving a more comprehensive grasp of the multifaceted nature of non-uptake. Thirdly, the research endeavors to scrutinize the underlying causes for the limited utilization of social benefits in Italy, employing a sociological lens to bridge the existing gap in the literature, which has predominantly been grounded in quantitative economic analyses. Lastly, the research aims to provide empirical insights that can prove beneficial to policymakers.

Research interests: Social policy; local welfare; poverty; social exclusion.

Graduated from: University of Trento

Degrees obtained: BA in International Studies (Political Science and International Relations) - MA in Management of Organizations and Territorial Networks (Sociology and Social Research) 

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