Institutions between Asymmetries and Inequalities

the regulatory crisis that characterizes national states can be measured by one of the main contemporary economic and social problem, represented by the increasing growth of inequalities worldwide. despite this, it does not seem that these issues represent a priority for political parties and for the action of governments. Indeed an attitude of resigned acceptance of inequality and its possible consequences in the various spheres of social life prevails, as they have multiple dimensions concerning income, wealth, jobs, classes, gender, ethnicities, education, social conditions, health care etc. Since the last two decades, the impact of marketization and economization has weakened the action of the State which played a fundamental role in reducing inequalities and led to a retreat of policy which had, together with other factors, consequences important on increasing poverty and social degradation. The paper, based on the analysis of national and international literature, aims to reflect on the role of institutions in dealing with inequalities in a phase in which a sort of uncritical and passive acceptance seems to prevail.