Edited by Marie J. Bouchard, Professor Emerita, Department of Organization and Human Resources, University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada and Damien Rousselière, Professor of Economics, Department of Social Sciences, L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, France
Publication Date: January 2026 ISBN: 978 1 03531 089 0 Extent: 344 pp
This Modern Guide presents a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary knowledge on the social and solidarity economy (SSE). It provides an overview of the conceptual, historical, organizational, and developmental dimensions of the SSE, exploring current issues through the lenses of public policy, governance, finance, and legislation.
This book highlights the SSE’s transformative ability to mobilize communities and connect North-South social debates, expert contributors analyse current arguments spanning tensions in hybrid organizations, internationalization, and networks and ecosystems.
‘This book illuminates the social and solidarity economy’s distinct role – putting people and communities before profit – while recognizing the universal need for strong governance and management. With clear analysis and suggestions for a multi-disciplinary research agenda, it is a very useful guide for understanding, advancing, and transforming the SSE in our rapidly changing world.’ – Avner Ben-Ner, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, USA
‘A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy is must-read for people interested in alternative organizational forms and in how capitalism and present-day democracies can be altered to create “equitable patterns of resource and surplus distribution” and “democratic, empowering, and emancipatory power relations.” The Guide nicely defines the SSE field and positions it within a historical and policy context, examines key issues like governance and finance, and explores ways the SSE has developed in communities and countries around the world.’ – Murray Fulton, Professor Emeritus, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
‘A timely guide, this volume helps bring clarity and insight to the ever-evolving field of the social and solidarity economy. A useful read for anyone looking for alternatives to traditional economic models based on equity, cooperation, and sustainability.’ – Gianluca Salvatori, EURICSE, Italy
‘A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy’ offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary look at the Social & Solidarity Economy (SSE), praised for highlighting its people-first approach, governance needs, and transformative potential for sustainable, equitable development, serving as a vital resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners in business, economics, and social policy.
Key aspects include its focus on distinct SSE models (co-ops, non-profits), analyzing challenges (hybridity, governance), and proposing future research directions, making it a strong guide for understanding and advancing SSE.
Key Themes & Strengths:
- People-Centric & Transformative: Emphasizes putting communities and people before profit, challenging traditional economic models for more equitable resource distribution.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Draws on economics, sociology, management, policy, and geography, featuring diverse perspectives from leading and emerging scholars.
- Practical & Theoretical: Combines theoretical insights with empirical examples, offering actionable ideas for research, development, and policy.
- Focus on Governance & Management: Addresses the need for strong governance within SSE, exploring issues like network management and ecosystem governance.
- Timely & Relevant: Offers new visions for inclusive development, crucial for sustainable futures, especially concerning care, social justice, and local development.
Who Will Benefit?
- Students & Scholars: In economics, finance, business, management, and social policy.
- Policymakers & Practitioners: Involved in sustainable development, public services, and local initiatives.
- SSE Actors: Cooperatives, mutuals, non-profits, and community groups.
What it Offers:
- A “grand tour d’horizon” of contemporary SSE.
- Insights into SSE’s role in fostering social cohesion, inclusion, and sustainable practices.
- New avenues for research and understanding the creative and solidarity economy.
In essence, reviewers find it a crucial, authoritative guide for navigating the complexities and potential of the Social & Solidarity Economy in a rapidly changing world, offering critical analysis and practical pathways forward.