redistributivi

Redistributivi refers to policies and programs designed to reduce economic inequality by reallocating resources from wealthier to poorer segments of society. They typically combine revenue collection through taxation with transfers, subsidies, and the provision of public services intended to raise living standards and stabilize consumption.

Historically tied to welfare states of the 20th century, redistributive models vary by country. Nordic and continental European systems emphasize universal access to health care, education, and social protection funded by progressive taxes, while many other regions implement targeted cash transfers, housing subsidies, and price supports.

Key tools include progressive income and wealth taxes, social insurance and unemployment benefits, pensions, and universal or targeted public services such as education and health care. Some policies also use subsidies or price controls to affect the affordability of essential goods.

Evaluation focuses on outcomes for inequality (for example, the Gini coefficient), poverty rates, and measures of fiscal sustainability and administrative cost. Debates center on trade-offs between equity and efficiency, concerns about work incentives and tax evasion, and the design of programs to minimize distortions while preserving economic growth.

Context matters: political priorities, demographics, and macroeconomic conditions shape the scope and effectiveness of redistributive policies. They remain central to discussions of welfare, social cohesion, and the future of economic policy.