Social and solidarity economy

Persistent poverty, financial and food crises, and a rise in social and economic inequalities have brought to the fore the limitation of traditional economic models. The social and solidarity economy has become a viable alternative, as it balances economic, social, and environmental objectives. It encompasses a vast array of diverse economic activities that take different forms in each context but share solidarity-based values. The social and solidarity economy democratises processes of production, distribution, and consumption. As an alternative economic paradigm, it rejects competitive individualism in favour of cooperation, solidarity, reciprocity, and fairness. The chapter highlights the political, economic, and social pillars of the social and solidarity economy, and argues that it is by integrating these pillars that it can become a viable and vibrant alternative to the current failed development paradigms.