Solidarity economy and resilient thinking - Analysis of the history and actions of the Projeto Esperança/Cooesperança

Abstract

The present work presents a reflection about the Solidarity Economy (SE), since the performance of the Projeto Esperança/Cooesperança, analyzing it under the characteristics of Resilient Thinking (SIMONSEN, 2012), for that, we held a debate about the theoretical definitions of SE; we present a history, from its emergence as a social movement in the 1980s to its institutionalization as a public policy in the Lula and Dilma governments between 2001 and 2016;as well as its loss of political relevance due to the  extinction of SENAES. In the same sense, given the limitations perceived in the bad weather experienced by SE organizations, we propose Resilient Thinking and polycentric governance systems as possibilities maintaining the self-management of these initiatives. In our final remarks, we point out the relevance of higher education as an element of generating employment and income for vulnerable communities, presenting the importance of public funding for social enterprises and highlighting resilient thinking as a possibility for learning in the face of challenges.