Rivista del Diritto Commerciale e del diritto generale delle Obbligazioni

Abstract: Friendly societes: a glorious past and a future yet to be written – Friendly societies are little known to non-experts but are relevant realities whose legal nature and applicable regulations seem clear. Their centuries-old history shows that they thrive under democratic regimes and when government social policies prove unsatisfactory, and because of that they find themselves in a situation of excellent vitality today. However, their contribution in terms of supplementary healthcare still needs improvement, so it seems appropriate to intervene at a regulatory level, allowing them to carry out business activities and encouraging the creation of bigger societies.  

Summary: 1. Portata e singolarità del fenomeno in esame. – 2. Natura giuridica e disciplina. – 3. Attività esercitabili e genesi delle istanze politiche. – 4. L’evoluzione storica e i suoi presupposti. – 5. Su un possibile futuro ancora da scrivere.  

Keywords: Mutual aid societies — Mutual benefit societies — Cooperative societies — Welfare State — Supplementary health insurance.