Social and Solidarity Economy: Between Emancipation and Reproduction (Draft)

Social and solidarity economy is increasingly attracting the attention of policy makers, practitioners and social scientists worldwide. For some it contributes to social cohesion, while addressing state and market failures; for others it provides an alternative model to current neoliberal development patterns; for its critics it is just another facet of contemporary capitalism. This paper critically examines social and solidarity economy, in light of these different trends, while also addressing the issue of market and state relations. The paper presents a theoretical reflection and an empirical comparative analysis based on the cases of Brazil and Portugal. Its main goal is to question whether social and solidarity economy is an emancipatory alternative or a product and instrument of the capitalist system, contributing to its reproduction.

Joana Marques is a PhD candidate at the University of São Paulo and Researcher at the Centre for Research and Studies in Sociology, Lisbon University Institute (CIES-IUL). Her research fields include social policy, education and solidarity economy. She has conducted research work in Portugal, Norway, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Principe, and Brazil.