Il successo della cooperazione sociale e i contesti territoriali locali

Since the Seventies, welfare difficulties, an ageing population, the evolution of the family model and the necessity of integrating the labour market are the main factors in explaining the growth of social cooperatives (S. C.) in Italy (which have existed formally since 1991). This paper presents an overview of the geography of S. C. in Italy. The still ongoing research analyzes the relationship between S. C. and territory. There is a double geographical facet. The first one is related to the understanding of the dynamics of S.C. spread. The underlying idea is that S. C. dynamics are strictly connected to the particulars of the territory and especially to the social capital associated with it. The second relates to their role in protecting marginal places and their communities, being able at the same time to survive in a difficult economic context. On the one hand, S. C. can be seen as “territorial product”, on the other as a “territorializing factor”. The purpose of the study is to identify possible ways of developing synergies with the territory, including disadvantaged areas.