The Social and solidarity economy: an opportunity for young women’s work transitions

Soler-i-Martí, Roger; Camprubí Trepat, Andreu; Oliveras, Ester; Sierra Andrés, Mireia

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1103308820986057

The Social and solidarity economy: an opportunity for young women’s work transitions

Citation

Soler-i-Martí R, Trepat AC, Oliveras E, Andrés MS. The Social and solidarity economy: an opportunity for young women’s work transitions. Young. 2021;29(5):529-48. DOI: 10.1177/1103308820986057

Abstract

This article analyses to what extent the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), the aim of which is to prioritize people’s needs and well-being, can offer young people education-to-work transitions conditions and opportunities which are different from those in the conventional economy. The very nature of the SSE means that it is especially suitable for challenging gender inequality and proves to be exceptionally useful for testing feminist economics. Against a backdrop of economic crisis, the SSE has shown greater resilience when compared to other sectors, although it is still not widespread. To examine how the SSE can improve young women’s experiences and labour trajectories, this article analyses working conditions, job satisfaction and gender roles in school-towork transitions of young women in the SSE in Catalonia. Results show that the collective and value-driven nature of the SSE entails a specific awareness and commitment that empower young women’s transitions experiences and expectations.