ILO's "Social Economy" Approach: Alternative or Complementary to the Capitalist System?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65298/malumat.9Keywords:
ILO, Sosyal Ekonomi, Sosyal ve Dayanışma Ekonomisi, SSEAbstract
This academic article critically examines the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) approach within the context of the capitalist system. It discusses whether SSE functions as a fundamental alternative to capitalism or is positioned as a vital complementary mechanism. Drawing on ILO definitions, principles, historical engagement and current academic discourses, the distinctive value-oriented framework of SSE is analysed against the backdrop of the inherent characteristics and critiques of capitalism. The article evaluates the theoretical arguments of SSE as a transformative alternative, including models such as participatory economics and social capitalism, while also assessing its practical roles such as eliminating market failures, promoting sustainable development and, in addition, formalising informal economies within existing capitalist structures. Indeed, the study synthesizes these perspectives for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted role of SSE, emphasizing its current contributions to a more inclusive and sustainable global economy while acknowledging its potential for systemic change.
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