The social economy: a means for inclusive & decent work in the circular economy?

By learning from the social economy, we can encourage inclusive and ethical work in the circular economy. The circular economy has the potential to create different kinds of positive social impact, including redistributing and opening up job opportunities for workers with a range of skills and levels of need across geographies. However, its social foundations remain underexplored and as a result are weak. The social economy is a means for achieving many of the social and democratic values that t…

By learning from the social economy, we can encourage inclusive and ethical work in the circular economy. The circular economy has the potential to create different kinds of positive social impact, including redistributing and opening up job opportunities for workers with a range of skills and levels of need across geographies. However, its social foundations remain underexplored and as a result are weak. The social economy is a means for achieving many of the social and democratic values that the circular economy must embody to be truly transformative. This includes, particularly, sustainable economic performance, value-led leadership, the rejection of profit maximisation as the sole driver for business and the promotion of decent work, education and secure livelihoods. This paper explores what we can learn from social enterprises and cooperatives operating in the circular economy and how bringing these agendas together can facilitate an inclusive and ethical circular economy that is underpinned by a just and safe labour market.