ABSTRACT
Confronted by multiple, interconnected ecological crises, international political bodies have issued numerous statements asserting a close link between alternative, cooperative business models putting people over profit with a specific, positive environmental impact actually or potentially that conventional economies are assumed to not provide or to structurally being unable to achieve. These models are now often being summarized in terms of a social economy sector. Scientific research regarding associated political claims is currently needed. There is a lack of high-quality case studies, and reviews, in particular beyond the energy and agro-food sectors. Empirical studies, moreover, are hampered by conceptual problems implied in political definitions of the social economy. Theoretical arguments in favor of unique potentials of the social economy are underdeveloped so far. Existing scientific literature points to exceptional cases of environmentally beneficial economic organizations, has developed some understanding of relevant properties of social economy entities and started to discuss theoretical arguments that are particularly relevant in view of degrowth debates. We suggest to further develop scientific research by using a general heuristic model focusing on common good orientation, solidarity, and democracy – and their interplay. In general, future research should lay emphasis on rigorous mixed-methods designs.
