| Abstract |
The present study examines the concept of social and solidarity economy, the third sector, along with the basic features of the structures involved. This paper also presents the social enterprises, their field of activity and their contribution dealing with the crisis. Moreover, an analysis of the social economy in the Greek reality is conducted, highlighting the deficiencies that exist in the institutional framework level. Furthermore, I present the dimensions of the current crisis and their impact in a multitude of domains, which unveil the need for various alternative undertakings that seek to develop and maintain a society of justice and solidarity. The networks of social economy as well as the participation in them increased in absolute terms during the Greek crisis since they respond to social problems, particularly those of social exclusion and unemployment. The aim of this paper is to clarify whether and how the social economy factors and particularly the social enterprises can actually become an alternative model of social and economic structure and to contribute to the alleviation of social and economic inequalities.
The structure, the characteristics, the field of activity, the ideological framework, the values, the aims and the contribution of social enterprises to the local society and local development are researched by deploying in depth interviews, conducted with members of four social cooperative enterprises, running in the local communities of Rethymno and Chania. I also examine whether and how the social organizations respond to the factual needs of the society in the period of the crisis. In addition, a fundamental and crucial question is put forward whether and how these social economy actors are viable and if they may indeed constitute a new form of socio-economic organization, which will consequently contribute to a more just society.
The data analysis results emerge that the principles and the values which govern the social enterprises are among others, solidarity, trust, direct democracy, equality, equal work, respect, superiority of individual compared to capital, self-organization, solidarity, autonomy and respect for nature. The under-study actors respond to the existing needs of both the members of the social organizations and the wider community. The purpose of their activity is not the accumulation of the wealth and the maximization of the profit but they target to a variety of activities for the
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benefit of their own members and of the society. They also contribute to the local development as they give the opportunity to local people to have access to services and products a condition which would otherwise be impossible because either these services are poorly or not at all offered by the state, or they are provided by the private sector at prices which are not affordable to everyone. Finally, it is noted that in Greece there is a lack of a proper legislative and supportive framework which obstructs their daily operation.
Through the process of the interviews survey I find that despite the difficulties that the social enterprises confront, it is possible for them to be viable as long as there is participation from their members, support from the local community and formation of an appropriate institutional framework. The arousal of citizens along with an appropriate legislative and supporting framework can bring about many initiatives be organized on a more consistent basis and constitute a policy proposal. It is crucial that the social economy is faced as a comprehensive policy proposal which will aim to the social transformation emphasizing on human beings, democracy and equality. Thus, it can lead to a solidarity society which will be fairer, more democratic and more responsible.
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