Member-only story

The Social and Solidarity Economy: A Guide to Its Principles and Practices

Chuck Mitchell

·4.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Social And Solidarity Economy: The World S Economy With A Social Face (Routledge Studies In International Business And The World Economy)

5 min read

519 View Claps

47 Respond

Save

Listen

The social and solidarity economy (SSE) is a growing movement of businesses and organizations that prioritize social and environmental goals over profit maximization. SSE enterprises are typically owned and operated by workers or members of the community, and they reinvest their profits back into the community.

The SSE is based on the values of solidarity, cooperation, and mutual aid. SSE enterprises are committed to creating a more just and equitable economy that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy.

The SSE is a diverse movement that includes a wide range of businesses and organizations, from worker cooperatives and social enterprises to community land trusts and credit unions. SSE enterprises are found in all sectors of the economy, from food and agriculture to housing and healthcare.

Social and Solidarity Economy: The World’s Economy with a Social Face (Routledge Studies in International Business and the World Economy)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6883 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages

The SSE is based on a set of core principles that guide its practices. These principles include:

Solidarity: SSE enterprises are committed to working together to create a more just and equitable economy. They believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Cooperation: SSE enterprises work together to pool resources and share knowledge. They believe that cooperation is essential for creating a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Mutual aid: SSE enterprises provide support and assistance to one another. They believe that everyone has something to contribute, and that we are all stronger when we work together.
Self-management: SSE enterprises are typically owned and operated by workers or members of the community. They believe that workers should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and their work.
Reinvestment: SSE enterprises reinvest their profits back into the community. They believe that it is important to invest in the future and to create a more sustainable economy.

The SSE includes a wide range of practices that are designed to promote social and environmental goals. These practices include:

Worker cooperatives: Worker cooperatives are businesses that are owned and operated by their employees. Workers cooperatives give workers a say in the decisions that affect their work and their lives.
Social enterprises: Social enterprises are businesses that are committed to creating a social or environmental impact. Social enterprises use their profits to fund social or environmental programs.
Community land trusts: Community land trusts are non-profit organizations that acquire land and hold it in trust for the benefit of the community. Community land trusts ensure that land is used for affordable housing, community gardens, and other public purposes.
Credit unions: Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned and operated by their members. Credit unions provide affordable financial services to their members, and they use their profits to support community development initiatives.

The SSE offers a number of benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. These benefits include:

Job creation: SSE enterprises create jobs that are good for workers and for the community. SSE jobs are often more stable and offer better benefits than jobs in the traditional economy.
Economic development: SSE enterprises can help to revitalize local economies and create a more sustainable and equitable economy. SSE enterprises invest their profits back into the community, which creates jobs and supports local businesses.
Social justice: SSE enterprises are committed to creating a more just and equitable economy. SSE enterprises pay fair wages, provide benefits to their employees, and give workers a say in the decisions that affect their work.
Environmental sustainability: SSE enterprises are committed to protecting the environment. SSE enterprises use sustainable practices, reduce waste, and invest in renewable energy.

The social and solidarity economy is a growing movement that is creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable economy. SSE enterprises are businesses and organizations that prioritize social and environmental goals over profit maximization. SSE enterprises are typically owned and operated by workers or members of the community, and they reinvest their profits back into the community.

The SSE offers a number of benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. SSE enterprises create jobs, promote economic development, create more just and equitable economy, and protect the environment. The SSE is a powerful force for change, and it is helping to create a better world for everyone.

Social and Solidarity Economy: The World’s Economy with a Social Face (Routledge Studies in International Business and the World Economy)

5 out of 5