Article

 

SOCIAL ECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GREEK CRISIS: TRAJECTORIES AND CONSTRAINTS (p.15-18)

by

Yorgos RIZOPOULOS, University Paris Cité

Dimitra PAPADIMITRIOU, University of Patras

Niki GLAVELI, University of the Aegean

Abstract

Introduction

 

 

SOCIAL CAPITAL AND COOPERATION: A COMPARISON OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AND SOCIAL PURPOSE ENTERPRISES IN GREECE (p.19-32)

by

Zafeirios THOMAKIS, University of Peloponnese

Irene DASKALOPOULOU, University of Peloponnese

Keywords : Social capital, Cooperation, Social economy, Social enterprises, Agricultural cooperatives

Abstract

Social enterprises are a valuable and effective tool that modern societies might use in their quest for sustainable development. It is often assumed that horizontal measures to support initiatives in the field of social enterprises would suffice to promote a cooperation paradigm that might produce higher societal and economic outcomes. Here we argue that cooperation is built within the cultural context of societies and the stock of social capital that is associated with their organizations. The latter decisively intervenes with the types of cooperation that might emerge in social enterprises and the socio-economic effects of their pursuits.

 

 

SOCIAL ECONOMY IN GREECE, 2010-2020 (p.33-48)

by

Evangelos NIKOLAIDIS, University of Crete

Keywords : Social economy, Social solidarity economy, Greece

Abstract

The crisis that impinged on Greek economy and society at the beginning of 2010s caused serious problems to wide population strata. At the same time, the implications of the recession fueled high expectations from social economy (SE). The article attempts to approach the reasons why the high expectations from SE were only partially verified. The analysis emphasizes two factors. The first concerns the Greek peculiarity, in regard to the limited social state, and therefore the smaller gap, in comparison to the developed countries of Western Europe, that resulted from its retreat with SE getting above it. The second relates to the deep and prolonged recession, which undermined the economic conditions for addressing unmet needs by undertaking collective economic activities

 

 

REFLECTIONS ON THE GREEK APPROACH TO SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (p.49-73)

by

Costas GEORMAS, Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity

Niki GLAVELI , University of the Aegean

Keywords : Greece, Social Enterprises, Legislation, Law 4019/2011, Law 4430/2016

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to reflect on the European Union’s initiatives on Social Entrepreneurship (SEn) and their influence on the Greek context focusing on the last 25 years and so. Furthermore, the actual developments that took place in Greece will be critically presented and discussed through the analysis of the legal developments in the field of SEn to point out facilitators, as well as inhibitory factors for the sustainable development of SEn in the country. The study underlines the “Europeanization” of internal SEn strategy/policies and legal framework and yet a weak and fragile development of the Greek SE sector. Being developed amidst a severe economic crisis, SE initiatives were triggered from a top-down process of governmental initiative, a misunderstanding of the concept of SEn and necessity rather than a genuine belief regarding the value of Social Enterprises (SEs). Also, the national legal frameworks (Law 4019/2011 and Law 4430/2016) and policies and the implementation gap created barriers to the development of SEn particularly in terms of sectors of activity, levels and types of employment, financing, scalability/profitability and the development of a genuine social vision, a clear corporate identity, and visibility. The future calls for structural barriers be removed and a comprehensive program for the Social and Solidarity Economy be designed, which will combine support policies with diversified intervention programs.

 

 

MAPPING AND INTERPRETING THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISES IN GREECE (p.75-91)

by

Argyrios LOUKOPOULOS, University of Patras

Aikaterini SOTIROPOULOU, University of Patras

Eleni KONTONASIOU, Grek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

Keywords : Social Entrepreneurship, Social Economy, Ecosystem, Greece

Abstract

This article extends further the research in social enterprises by providing insights into their evolution in a developing national context like Greece. In particular, in this article, we investigated the types, dynamics, regional distribution and the main field of activities of Greek social enterprises. We also delineated further the critical institutional issues and difficulties for their development. Our findings demonstrate that social entrepreneurship in Greece is still in its infancy, illustrating an incremental growth rate over time.