The Social Economy: International Perspectives on Economic Solidarity - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848132824 ISBN 13: 9781848132825

Publisher: Zed Books, 2009

Synopsis

This book gathers together material on the social economy from around the world.  The Social Economy is a topic of considerable contemporary research and policy interest. From creches to environmental services, from consumer cooperatives to social housing, governments in many countries have begun to introduce legislation to support social enterprises. Taking case studies from Australasia, Europe, North America and Latin America, this book outlines the different ways that the social economy takes place according to locally specific factors. It argues that, against the low expectations of some critics in many countries the case evidence is plentiful that social enterprise work compares favorably with the best experience in the state and private sector.

About this title

About the Author:

Ash Amin is Professor of Geography at the University of Durham.

Review:

'This valuable collection of studies on the Social Economy makes a notable contribution to understanding about a developing mode of production in different parts of the world, representing a new way to those fighting for a society in which liberty and equality are not in contradiction to each other.' Paul Singer, Secretary of State for the Solidarity Economy, Brazil 'At a time of deep global economic crisis, there is a pressing need to explore alternatives to the mainstream capitalist economy in the search for sustainable futures, This is therefore a timely and important book. The contributors, a mix of leading academic researchers and activists, explore the achievements and potential of the social economy in a diverse range of places. They demonstrate that the social economy can provide socially useful work and goods and services of a quality that compares favourably with that of the state and private sector and discuss the policy challenges posed by seeking to develop the social economy.' Ray Hudson, Durham University 'The economic crisis has accelerated the search for real alternatives to market fundamentalism. One key alternative is the creation of a social or solidarity economy based on not-for-profit enterprises. This invaluable book provides an up-to-date account of the strengths and weaknesses of these initiatives across four continents.' Fred Block, University of California

About this edition

• Publisher: Zed Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1848132824
• ISBN 13: 9781848132825
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 280
• Editor: Amin Ash