The Social Economy in the UK

September 2014
PDF version

CRU, Open University, UK
 

The social economy comprises: co-operatives, mutuals and voluntary organisations (associations) – this includes charities (and foundations) – and it thus fits with the EU definition of the social economy as 4 types of organisations: CMAF (co-ops, mutuals, associations, foundations).
This paper examines different conceptualisations of the social economy in the UK; it reviews the scope and diversity of the social economy in the UK. It goes onto to outline some of the current trends (markets for welfare services, and the growth of social enterprise) and challenges it faces. Each of the traditional social economy sectors is reviewed in turn, with reference made to new initiatives/sectors where relevant. Then the institutional framework for the social economy is reviewed by looking at legal frameworks and new trends of social enterprise.

Country: 

United Kingdom

Thematics: