Abstract.This paper analyzes the evolution of theCassa integrazione guadagni(CIG), according to 7 different theoretical models, which offer a classification for the different cases of application that have developed since its introduction, as well as for the many policy targets pursued by the Public Authorities.Then an assessment of the economic role of CIG is attempted, divided into three separate sections. The first is aimed at evaluating the economic long‐term effect on macro performance, where the crucial balance is between a “crowding‐out effect” on private investment and a “profit‐maintenance effect” by lowering the effective wage rate. The second section approaches the employment consequences of the CIG by examining a second crucial balance: that between the protection granted to the employed and the obstacles raised for the employment of the non‐employed (above all, freezing workers' turnover). This issue is tackled too in terms of the insider‐outsider theory, showing the possible relevance of CIG in segmenting the labour market and keeping the wage rate dynamics.Finally the paper briefly examines the profound revision of the CIG recently approved by the Italian Parliament, aimed at avoiding excessive costs while enhancin