Publications on Social and Solidarity Economy

Social and Solidarity Economy and the Future of Work

05 September 2017

This publication presents the main theoretical arguments and empirical evidence on the features and role of social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations, specifically on its potential to create and preserve decent work. The publication also underlines the SSE’s capacity to create jobs in emerging sectors, for example in the silver economy, and to contribute to the formalization of the informal economy. Lastly, the policy implications of these various changes, and how they can support the growth and development of SSE in the future of work are addressed.

Summary of Key Findings - Cooperation among workers in the informal economy: A focus on home based workers and waste pickers

03 July 2017

This is a summary of key findings of the report “Cooperation among workers in the informal economy: A focus on home-based workers and waste pickers”. This report is part of the joint ILO and WIEGO initiative, which aims to understand the nature and scope of cooperatives and other social and solidarity economy enterprises and organizations formed by workers in the informal economy. It focuses on the current challenges, opportunities, obstacles and practices among cooperatives of waste pickers and home-based workers in order to inform future actions and interventions that support cooperative growth.

Public policies for the Social and Solidarity Economy: Towards an enabling environment. The case of South Africa

24 March 2017
No.6 Cooperation in a changing world of work: Towards a cooperative future

16 March 2017

This note looks at the ways in which cooperatives respond to technological, demographic, economic and environmental changes that are taking place within the world of work.
Providing Care through Cooperatives 2: Literature Review and Case Studies

01 March 2017

Today, care is provided in myriad forms, from childcare and eldercare to care for persons living with a disability or illness. What is more, the need for care is growing worldwide, driven by demographic shifts including the growing ageing population and the rising number of persons living with illnesses.

Cooperation in a changing world of work: Exploring the role of cooperatives in the future of work

21 December 2016

The world of work is undergoing major processes of change. There are several forces transforming it, from the onward march of technology and the impact of climate change to the changing character of production and employment, to name a few. This note presents some of the ways in which cooperatives are responding to and have the potential to play a greater role in the changing world of work.

Social and Solidarity Economy and South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean: Contributions to Inclusive Sustainable Development

16 December 2014

Social and Solidarity Economy and South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean: Contributions to Inclusive Sustainable Development

ILO