The social economy in Europe as an alternative development model

ABSTRACT The social economy in Europe has grown in strength over the last 40 years. This paper analyses the different dynamics that are at play within the social economy. On the one hand, it appears to have a unique approach to social and business organisation integrated within the current construction of the Single Market and the Economic and Monetary Union. On the other hand, together with the political, social, feminist and environmental movements that pursue the same objective, it is seen as a reference for economic organisation towards a development model different to the current model based on neoliberal capitalism.