ABSTRACT
The process of extending social equality advances and spreads according to the development of communications and commerce, where the economy has a fundamental role in the recognition of equal rights of the other in order to develop trade. Business relationships, together with the cultural exchange, produce a great increase of civilisation, using fair play to replace oppression, violence and aggression against others in order to take possession of their property. Economic inequality can be of relatively minor importance as long as social inequality is contained or reduced. Modernity has tended to tone down social differences, to formally achieve equality among men and not only to combat poverty, which is often seen as something innate. The modern state has made the elimination of social differences its highest objective, taking on the task and responsibility to manage social services, up to the creation of the welfare state, that is the formulation of government programme specifically targeted to the well-being of its citizens.
