Introduction of the Euro and the Dense Society

Abstract

The author voices her misgivings over a purely “technical” introduction of the new single currency. The present social, cultural, economic and political crisis of modern Europe is sketched, and the concept of the “dense society” is used to describe an expanding society with restricted mobility, limited vitality and excessive focus on the present. The special relation between society and finance is also amplified. Against this background, it is maintained that there is a need to restore a virtuous link between the business and finance world and society, stressing, among other things, innovative entrepreneurship, investment flexibility, new forms of work, and the creation of collective mutuality. The introduction of the euro must be connected not only in symbolic but also in concrete terms with a resurgence of development, mobility and social inclusion.

In addition, the author describes the specific problems with the changeover to the euro that she sees for Italy, a nation where a very positive attitude towards the euro prevails but where there is little knowledge of the mechanisms of the changeover. The specific characteristics of the retail trade as well as the savings and investment patterns may create particular problems for Italy in connection with the changeover.