Solidarity economy

Rediscovering economy and solidarity

Abstract

This article is a contribution to the term of “solidarity economy”, which is not yet well rationalized. The solidarity economy is a set of economic processes put in place on a micro level, with a notable social innovation that finds nowadays its place in scientific reflections. This article reassesses the etymological terms of “economy” and “solidarity” and summarizes the different contributions of economic sociology, proposing an analysis of the solidarity economy as a process of social and economic embeddement.
To do this we use the analysis of some authors who refers to Karl Polanyi’s studies on regulation forms. In particular the analysis of reciprocity as symmetrical relationship in trade, and with the environment. This discussion underline an important concept of bem viver, whom was defined by the empirical experiences in Latin America, who firstly utilized this expression, even in a public and institutional context.