This popular text provides a detailed study of the social and economic structures that underpin the Italian political system. Thoroughly updated, the second edition covers the 1994 election results and the rise of Berlusconi's Forza Italia, the impact of European integration and the anti-corruption campaign of the early 90s.

List of tables Preface to the Second Edition List of abbreviations Introduction Part One: The Economy 1. Economic reconstruction, 1945- 1950; 2. The Politics of development, 1950-1963; 3. From 'Miracle' to crisis, 1963-1969; 4. From the 'Hot Autumn' to interdependence, 1969-1985; 5. From boom to crisis, 1985-1996 Part Two: Society 6. Classes and migrant workers; 7. The debate on social classes; 8. Labour migration; 9. Women, families, feminism, youth; 10. Women and Families; 11. Feminism; 12. Youth; 13. Instruments of political mobilisation; 14. Trade unions; 15. Private enterprise; 16. The Church; 17. The mass media Part Three: Politics 18. Elections; 19. Governments; 20. Parliament; 21. The Constitution; 22. The role of the working class; 23. Private property; 24. Democracy; 25. The Church; 26. The constitutional compromise; 27. Conclusion; 28. Local Government; 29. The political parties; 30. The old party system; 31. The Christian Democratic Party and its successors; 32. The Italian Communist Party and its successors; 33. The Italian Socialist Party; 34. The Lega Nord; 35. Berlusconi's Forza Italia; 36. The post-fascist right; 37. A tentative conclusion Bibliography of works cited Index