Social Economy

Social and Solidarity Economy

Economic justice and sustainability

This course gives a thorough exploration of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) through a critical lens, offering participants an insight into how SSE both contrasts with and challenges traditional economic systems. Participants will engage with a variety of economic theories that support or critique the principles of SSE, including Marxist, feminist, and ecological economics. By integrating these perspectives, the course aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how SSE can be a transformative force in the global economy.

Topics

  • Key concepts of SSE, including its emphasis on cooperation, democracy, and social justice
  • Theoretical foundations, including Marxist perspectives on labor and capital, feminist critiques of economic inequality, and ecological discussions on sustainability
  • How SSE functions within different economic systems, its response to neoliberal economic policies, and its role in globalized markets
  • Organizational forms within SSE, such as cooperatives, nonprofits, and social enterprises
  • Alternative finance models that are pivotal to SSE, including microfinance, social banking, and community currencies
  • The impact of SSE on community development and labor markets, including empowerment, participation, and rights
  • How SSE contributes to environmental sustainability, including practices such as the circular economy and resource management
  • The role of policy and advocacy in promoting and sustaining SSE practices at local, national, and international levels
  • The potential future developments of SSE and its impact on global economies
  • Can there be a ‘postcapitalist’ society?
  Early Registration Offer
Register now and get 50% off the normal price of this course. This offer is limited to the first fifty registrants only.
  Course Starts
  Duration
You will be registered for 12 months from the start of the course. The minimum time necessary to complete the course is 3 months.
  Course Delivery
Course materials such as videos, readings and tasks will be released over the period of your enrollment. Live online seminars are not part of the course content but may be made available as a bonus.
  Course Certificate
You will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

What's included?

  • 10 main sessions
  • 30+ videos
  • 10 reflective tasks
  • Community discussion
  • 1 assignment
  • Course certificate

BONUS 1

Economic Analysis

We make social analysis skills central to all of our learning. This mini-course in Economic Analysis provides tools and skills for undertsanding your the wider economy, including unpaid work. We recommend that you take it alongside the main course.

BONUS 2

Live Seminars

You will get access to regular live online seminars and the opportunity to suggest seminar topics or even take part in presenting a seminar. This bonus comes as part of our Associate Membership package.

BONUS 3

Associate Membership

In addition to access to live seminars, your one-year Associate Membership includes free previews to new courses. It also gives you Workspace tools and apps, including a dedicated email account.
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Course contents

Frequently asked questions

Can I view the course material without taking the assignments?

You do not have to take the assignments at the end of the course, but there are tasks and exercises during the course that are essential to the learning process. You will need to complete these in order to progress.

How long does the course take?

If you go through the sessions week by week and complete everything as quickly as possible, the course will take around three months. However, we give you a year's registration in order to make sure that you have plenty of time.

What do I need to do for the course certificate?

There are two assignments at the end of the course. The first is a learning journal, which will be based on tasks and exercises that you have completed throughout the course. The second is an essay. Additionally, as a prerequisite, you must have successfully completed the accompanying social analysis mini-course.

Do I get feedback during the course?

Yes, you are able to engage with tutors and you will receive help and feedback where needed. We would also encourage you to engage with other learners on the course.
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