040175 KU Solidary Economic (MA) (2022W)

The course is addressed to Master students interested in economic concepts based on solidarity, the common good, fairness and mutuality.

In economically challenging times, there is a renewed interest in historically grown solidarity-based economic forms that produce goods or provide services under humane, democratic, fair and sustainable working conditions. Common good enterprises, cooperatives or non-profit organisations as examples of such legal and organisational forms can be found worldwide at the local level as well as in nationwide movements. In contrast to profit-oriented forms of enterprises, these organisations focus on the human being, i.e. the member, the consumer or client, with his/her social needs. They use alternative economic concepts (fair trade, the common good economy, local/regional currencies, barter exchanges, social entrepreneurship, etc.) to find solutions to important global problems that affect us all, such as providing education, poverty in retirement, sustainability, the gender gap, the climate/energy crisis, fair wages, humane working conditions, etc.).

In order to familiarise students with the diversity of the concept of solidarity economy, the seminar will discuss principles such as solidarity, democracy, mutuality, the common good as well as different forms of economy that attempt to implement these ideas through concepts based on fair trade, microcredit or the 2030 Agenda (Sustainable Development Goal). The aim of this course is to give the participants an overview of these topics. Short texts and videos serve as a starting point for discussions. In addition, the introductory literature provided offers students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the various topics. Participation, 2 short written assignments on different topics, a group presentation and a written final paper (10 pages/per person) complete the course.

The course will take place in the lecture hall, but will be continued digitally if required.