Scientific conference in universities or research centers (Scientific conferences in universities or research centers)
The libertarian imaginary of solidarity economy
Frère, Bruno
2008
 

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Keywords :
pragmatic sociology extrapolation; grammar solidarity economy; cooptation
Abstract :
[en] This paper demonstrates the value of French pragmatist sociology, and particularly the methodological device of a ‘grammar’ to articulate the normative macro-elements that underpin the organizational principles of the solidarity economy movement in France. Our grammatical analysis demonstrates that the loosely coupled movement is held together by a shared libertarian imaginary. We identify as its core four principles about an alternative organization of economic activity: creativity, conviviality, self-management and political activism; and we trace their historical roots in 19th century libertarian socialism and their renaissance in radical social movements in the 1970s. Analyzing the theorization of the libertarian imaginary provided by Proudhon in the 19th and movement protagonists in the 20th century, we argue that the values of the libertarian imaginary have become recombined into a composite construct of complementary, yet potentially conflicting grammatical elements. Presenting a case of a solidarity economy organization, we illustrate how organizational practices are evaluated through a grammatical lens, but also how the movement can loose its critical edge when the grammar is ‘extrapolated’. ‘Extrapolation’ offers an alternative explanation for movement instrumentalization, a frequently observed and deplored phenomenon in social movements, and suggests that it takes place not by co-optation of an external and conflicting value logic, but by over-emphasizing a value that is constitutive of the grammar itself.
Disciplines :
Sociology & social sciences
Author, co-author :
Frère, Bruno ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Institut des sciences humaines et sociales > Sociologie des identités contemporaines
Language :
English
Title :
The libertarian imaginary of solidarity economy
Alternative titles :
[fr] L'imaginaire libertaire de l'économie solidaire
Publication date :
2008
Number of pages :
40
Event name :
Business and Society group conferences (CRASSH, UNniversity of Cambridge)
Event organizer :
Business and Society group
Event place :
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Event date :
2008/12/8
Audience :
International
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since 26 September 2014

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