Social Economy Policies in Argentina: Potential and Limits for the Development of Associative and Cooperative Work

HOPP MALENA VICTORIA

Think Piece Series on Social and Solidarity Economy

United Nation Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)

Lugar: Ginebra; Año: 2014 p. 1 - 10

2309-0626

This think piece analyses the potential and limits of Social Economy policies implemented in Argentina since 2003. The hypothesis that guides this work suggests that the main limits seen in the development of the Social Economy sector are due to the secondary role occupied by Social Economy in the government's social-economic strategy. This relates to the particular institutional framework of the programmes promoting associative and cooperative work. They are mainly implemented by the Social Development Ministry, a state agency which historically provided social assistance. The think piece makes use of a theoretical and methodological perspective which posits that the policies promoting Social Economy are influenced by the structural level of social-political processes as well as by Social Economy actors and their practices. This point of view shows the main limits and potential of the development of associative and cooperative work in Argentina, taking into account economic, political, social and cultural dimensions.