La famiglia come capitale sociale

The sociological reflection on families has always questioned the value families have towards the whole society, trying to understand how to produce, enhance and sustain their wealth. Starting from the reflections developed by Heckman, this paper points out some key issues of relational sociology related to family. In particular three aspects are taken into account. First, the idea that family can be a source of social capital, relationally meant for itself, for the primary network in which it is placed and for the society. Secondly, the concept of family – oriented social policy too. Examples of family policies are presented, respectively the case of Lombardy and Trentino. Finally the paper focuses on the transition to parenthood, a particularly risky moment: in order to produce “wealth” it is actually necessary for families to be generated and supported in this process.