(Mis)matches between institutions and social and solidarity economy in catalonia

Abstract

Since 2008, structural adjustment policies have deregulated the labor market in Spain. After the destruction of thousands of jobs over the last years, the social and solidarity economy and, in particular, worker cooperatives have been pointed out as “resilient” enterprises during periods of crisis. Some institutions have taken measures to promote this “faster recovery” sector by making direct investments in social and solidarity economy projects, providing bureaucratic and financial facilities and offering advice and free training in this area. The article addresses the role of institutions in the current growth of the social and solidarity economy in Catalonia and the effects of this close relationship through various ethnographic cases. Are the practices being socialized or are they being emptied of their political content? Who is setting up the agenda for this articulation? What are the greatest tensions that emerge in these relationships? What are the effects of this growth for cooperative workers?.