The source adds the following information: "Social expenditure comprises cash benefits, direct in-kind provision of goods and services, and tax breaks with social purposes. Benefits may be targeted at low-income households, the elderly, the disabled, the sick, the unemployed, or young persons. To be considered "social", programmes have to involve either redistribution of resources across households or compulsory participation. Social benefits are classified as public when the general government (that is, central, state, and local governments, including social security funds) controls the relevant financial flows. All social benefits not provided by the general government are considered private. Private transfers between households are not considered "social" and are not included here. Net total social expenditure includes both public and private expenditure. It also accounts for the effect of the tax system by direct and indirect taxation and by tax breaks for social purposes. This indicator is measured as a percentage of GDP or USD per capita."
Italy's public social expenditure accounted for ** percent of the GDP in 2019. The public spending on social benefits mainly cover cash benefits, provision of goods and services, and tax breaks with social purposes. Between 2010 and 2019, the spending peaked in 2019. Overall, the total social expenditure of Italy represents some of the highest among OECD countries.
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OECD. (October 5, 2021). Public social spending as a share of GDP in Italy from 2010 to 2019 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 27, 2026, from /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/
OECD. "Public social spending as a share of GDP in Italy from 2010 to 2019." Chart. October 5, 2021. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 27, 2026. /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/
OECD. (2021). Public social spending as a share of GDP in Italy from 2010 to 2019. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 27, 2026. /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/
OECD. "Public Social Spending as a Share of Gdp in Italy from 2010 to 2019." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 5 Oct 2021, /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/
OECD, Public social spending as a share of GDP in Italy from 2010 to 2019 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/ (last visited July 27, 2026)
Public social spending as a share of GDP in Italy from 2010 to 2019 [Graph], OECD, October 5, 2021. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1267765/public-social-expenditure-in-italy/