ABSTRACT
Since the turn of the 21st century, the struggles of humanity have rapidly become the paradigmatic form of socio-economic, political and environmental conflicts. Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) theorists have long sought to conceptualise the nature of these societal issues and have tried to figure out 'alternatives' by noting some complexities of the contemporary socio-economic and political system. This chapter seeks to bring examples of SSE practices that incorporate concepts of vulnerability and inclusion. It builds an argument based on Merton's strain theory and the concept of positive deviance, and it also includes a spectrum of different kinds of social initiatives around the world. The chapter highlights the role of SSE practices amongst different groups and communities worldwide, as well as the opportunity that SSE fieldwork offers for the long-term socio-economic and environmental spectra. The chapter focuses on the criteria of SSE and diversity, the theory of redistribution and recognition of work by N. Fraser and A. Honneth.
