Analysis of the differences in SSE among global macro regions can be found in the context of North and South in the literature (Defourny – Develtere 1999, Favreau 2000, Tremblay 2009). Different types of SSE can be linked to... [ view full abstract ]
Analysis of the differences in SSE among global macro regions can be found in the context of North and South in the literature (Defourny – Develtere 1999, Favreau 2000, Tremblay 2009). Different types of SSE can be linked to different societal structure (Amin et al. 2002).
Only a little has been known about the SSE sector of former socialist countries. Based on the available pieces of information, some general trends can be outlined (Borzaga and Spear 2004, Defourny 2004). An comprehensive analysis on social enterprises has been carried out on all of the EU member countries in 2014 (ICF 2014). However, post socialist specialities have not been revealed yet. Based on the Hungarian experiences, the main difference may be the weakness of self-organisation of the civil sector and the still strong paternalism. (G.Fekete 2007)
The question arises whether it can be justified in the other former socialist countries and what the main differences and the reason for the differences are among these countries. In an ongoing research our hypothesis is that state-socialist legacy plays a significant role in the fact that SSE sector is underdeveloped in Hungary and in other post socialist countries.
In order to reveal the specific characteristics of post socialist countries, we have selected five countries to examine including Hungary. These are the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Slovenia and Hungary. After collecting the literature, experts and programs related to social and solidarity economy in the selected countries, we have compiled the so called first version of our country reports. They are going to be clarified later via personal consultations with academic colleagues, politicians and experts living and working in the selected countries, as well as visiting at least one national civil organisation of SSE sector in each country. The final country reports will include the different interpretations and policy locations of the concept of SSE, forms and typical activities, results (in employment, social enterprises, GDP), practices and experiences, innovations, international connections (EU institutions, international networks) and in country differences (rural peripheries) of SSE sector.
We prepare a comparative study based on the characteristics of SSE in each country. Besides revealing the common aspects of state socialist legacy, we also intend to reveal the individual characteristics of each selected country and their environmental – social – economic – political backgrounds.
The poster will introduce our concept on socio-economic determinants of SSE, impacts of state-socialist legacy and some details on social enterprise and solidarity economy in the selected countries.
Literature:
Amin, A. – Cameron, A. – Hudson, R.(2002): Placing the social economy. Contemporary Political Economy Series. Routledge London
Defourny, J. - Develtere, P. (1999): The Social Economy: The Worldwide Making of a Third Sector. In: L’économie sociale au Nord at au Sud (eds:Defourny, J. - Develtere, P. - Fonteneau, B.) De Boeck Bruxelles
Favreau, L. (2000): Globalization and Social Economy: A North-South Perspective. In: Social economy. International Debates and Perspectives. (eds: Shragge, E. – Fontan, J-M.) Institute of Policy Alternatives of Montréal (IPAM) Montreal. pp. 176-191.
G.Fekete É. (2007): Social Economy as a Tool for the Development of Peripheries. In: Regions In Focus?. Annual Conference of Regional Studies Association. Lisbon, Portugal, 2007.04.02-2007.04.05. London: Regional Studies Association
ICF 2014: A map of social enterprises and their eco-systems in Europe Country Reports ICF Consulting Services, European Commission
Tremblay, C. (2009): Advancing the Social Economy for Socio-economic Development: International perspectives Public Policy Paper Series Number 01 - SEPTMEBER Canadian Social Economy Hub at the University of Victoria Victoria, Canada 2009
