Labour is an essential feature of economic development and social change in industrialised Western countries. Yet economic and social theory as well as historical research have been underestimating its role. This volume discusses the labour vision developed by Christian Democratic-oriented parties and associations in the second half of XXI Century, in relation to the democratic and republican choice and - at the same time - capitalistic development. For a long time, Christian Democrats ruled in Western European countries, managing different choices and making policies for the labour market and the defence of workers rights. In addition, Christian churches paid increasing attention to social questions. The essays also emphasise the leading role of civil society (associations, movements and trade unions) in supporting labour policies. Hence, the historical readings collected here offer the opportunity to understand convergences but also differences among the experiences.

Andrea Maria Locatelli is Full Professor in the Faculty of Economics at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where he teaches economic history. His research interests are economic development, business history, the European integration process and Christian Democrats. Cecilia Maria Bravi is a PhD student at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, where she is currently conducting research on the 1970s Fim-Cisl in Milan. Her research interests include contemporary history, especially trade unions and social movements, terrorism and political violence, and Christian Democracy.