The solidarity economy as a tool for emancipation - roots.utopia.sk

The solidarity economy as a tool for emancipation

Economic thinking is usually associated with terms such as competition, efficiency, profitability or discipline. This form of imagination has led us into several crises that are intertwined and threaten our very survival. If we are to cope with them, we cannot continue to applaud the discredited ideology that has brought us to this situation.

Activists discuss with the founder of the social cooperative Střecha in Prague.

Poverty and social exclusion are among the most serious obstacles to human emancipation. A life of quality and dignity is not possible without access to resources. And it cannot be conditional on the exchange of a life of drudgery, which, in any case, is incompatible with a decent life. That is why people all over the world are organising to put into practice their vision of an economy centred on human needs and respect for life. The solidarity economy movement is part of this movement.

Together with the activists of ÚRMC we went to Prague, where we visited a number of companies that put the concept of solidarity economy into practice. After the working visits, we discussed how similar enterprises could be established in Slovakia. Our publication Let's Help Each Other tries to answer the questions that arose during the visit. You will also find other examples of solidarity enterprises and practical advice that can help you if you decide to start one.

Translated by deepl.com. Not edited.