The cooperative movement at the service of social medicine
In recent years, the term ‘social economy’ has become popular, consolidating itself as an alternative to the current market economy and a response to contemporary challenges, such as the environmental crisis.
The social economy includes a set of economic and business activities carried out by private entities, with the aim of meeting the collective interest of its participants or the general economic and social interest, in accordance with the principles of the social economy. This is how it is defined by the Spanish Ministry of Work and Social Economy, although it is not the only definition for this concept, which in recent years has been gaining followers.
The International Labour Organization (ILT) also indicates that the companies, organisations and other entities that develop economic, social and environmental activities for the benefit of the collective interest form part of the social economy, based on principles of voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. A common feature amongst these entities is their aspiration to achieve long-term feasibility and sustainability, as well as the transition of the informal economy to the formal one, covering all the economic sectors.
These organisations operate with intrinsic values that promote caring for people and for the planet, equality, interdependence, self-management, transparency and responsibility, in order to guarantee decent livelihoods.
Caring for people and for the planet, as well as the search for equality form part of social economy values
These entities are governed by a series of fundamental principles:
The social economy covers a wide range of different entities, amongst which the following are included:
The social economy offers innovating solutions for today’s important challenges, such as the creation of quality jobs, territorial cohesion, the fight against climate change, the demographic transition, gender equality, the promotion of the entrepreneurial culture, digital transition and the reduction of inequalities.
To conclude, the social economy is presented as an economic alternative that puts people at the centre of the equation, giving priority to common welfare over capital.
The social economy is highly represented both in Catalonia and Spain through cooperatives and other companies, mutual societies and other enterprises that put people at the centre of their activities.
The social economy and care for the environment are closely linked, as cooperatives, mutual societies and social companies must look after the needs of the community.