040175 KU Solidary Economic (MA) (2024W)

The course is aimed at Master's students who are interested in alternative economic concepts based on solidarity, common good, justice 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. In contrast to traditional profit-oriented forms of enterprises, alternative economic concepts such as Fair Trade, the Economy of the Common Good, barter exchange systems, the Donut Economy, Buen Vivir, etc. place people and their social needs at the centre of their economic activities. They try to find solutions to important global problems that affect us all, such as equitable education, poverty, sustainability, gender pay-gap, climate/energy crisis, fair wages, decent working conditions, etc., through non-profit forms of economic activity.

In order to familiarise students with the diversity of the notion of solidarity economy, the seminar will discuss principles such as solidarity, democracy, mutuality, the common good as well as alternative concepts based on fair trade, microloans 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 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 each student) complete the course.