Theme 1: Policy and ideology of social economy
On the basis of different ideological value frameworks political policymakers choose different ways to shape the social economy policy and the political conceiving related to it. From this perspective, it is important to discuss the concept, the aims, the missions or the even purpose of social economy enterprises and organisations. At present 'market' is the prevailing value framework. This predominance translates into special institutional settings and market oriented structures. But there is also an increasing need to re-emphasize and reshape the “classic” general solidarity, the mutualist legacy and the principle of mutual assistance and support. Indeed, the underlying philosophy of social responsibility and ethical behaviour is essential if one wants to develop a genuine social economy. The current relation between social economy and market needs thus to be thoroughly discussed.
