Solidarity Economy: A border economy?

Abstract

In recent decades we are witnessing the emergence of social movements of multiple nature, including groups linked to the Solidarity Economy. Originated in general as an immediate response to economic crises, these groups have adopted economic relations that are different from those of the hegemonic market logic and established patterns of sociability intended to overcome the negative individualism and ostracism. However, in addition to the daily challenges of the groups in terms of selfmanagement, sustainability and permanence, they also face analytical challenges. The modern theoretical-epistemological paradigm centered on classic scientific criteria has proved to be limited in considering the intersectionalities of inequality, for example, and is insufficient to encompass the complexity of the experiments. What we propose, therefore, are notes in the search for analytical paths able to overcome exclusionary binarisms. These reflections are based on empirical data collected from interviews and participant observation at an Exchange Club located in the metropolitan region of Curitiba. This experience has highlighted the intertwining and overlapping of factors such as class, ethnicity and gender as multiple inequality operators.

Keywords: Solidarity Economy, epistemology, gender, women.