The article presents the recent history of some local communities struggling with par¬ticular social risks: the serious problems for health and environment caused by asbestos in Casale Monferrato; the consequences of the earthquake in L’Aquila; the fight against organized crime in Campania. Starting from these cases, the author develops some considerations about the social vitality of territorial systems and their structural, organizational and interpersonal specificities: identity and community relations are a resource on which to rely to cope with adverse conditions.
Keywords: Asbestos, earthquake, camorra, local identity, participation, social economy