This chapter introduces the essays in the volume starting with analysing the situation of the Italian labour market in terms of the diffusion of non standard work. Together with an analysis of its diffusion the essay discusses the characteristics of workers who are more likely to be in non...

In the past decade, several countries, notably France, Spain and Germany, have experienced a joint increase in female participation and fertility, mainly because of national policies aimed at balancing work and family life. In Italy, by contrast, fertility has remained relatively stable (after a...

The international literature on non-standard employment has mostly focussed on its impact on employment, and more recently on working and living conditions. This volume explores these issues with special reference to Italy. Italy is characterized by very low participation rates (particularly...