Challenges of Cooperativism in the Social and Solidarity Economy Sector

This research project analyzes the challenges of cooperativism within the social and solidarity economy (SSE) sector in Ecuador. Given the growing trend of savings and credit cooperatives to adopt conventional business management models, the study seeks to understand how organizations in segments 3, 4, and 5 manage to maintain their solidarity principles and focus on community well-being in the face of pressure from the capital economy. The methodology is mixed and exploratory, integrating qualitative techniques such as life histories, focus groups, and expert panels, alongside descriptive statistical analysis. The study focuses on identifying the territorial, cultural, and social conditions that allow these institutions to prioritize service over economic profit. Expected results include the systematization of best practices, the publication of books on cooperativism, and collective narratives on the role of women in the SSE. This work seeks to strengthen the popular and solidarity financial sector, providing inputs for reflection and decision-making that promote a fairer, more democratic, and sustainable economic system in the country.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To establish the practices and conditions that allow financial cooperatives to preserve the principles of cooperativism linked to the social and solidarity economy, in a context where the capital economy predominates. The project seeks to identify the factors that facilitate the maintenance of these values in Ecuador's popular and solidarity financial sector.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Inter-ethnic relations<br/>Economic systems