Reflections on doing solidarity economy
Cultural cooperative laituri as a space of learning to cooperate
Keywords:
osallistuminen, solidaarisuustalous, vapaaehtoistyö, yhdenvertaisuus, yhteistoimintaAbstract
In this text we analyse what can be learnt about cooperation in the context of doing solidarity economy. The analysis is based on our own learning experiences about cooperation as volunteers in Cultural Cooperative Laituri. The coop runs a vegan café and its rules define it as an actor of solidarity economy. We investigate the conditions of participation through the principles and practices that have arisen within the community.
Knowledge has a central role in constructing and deconstructing hierarchies. It is important to pay attention to how and to whom information is available. In this context, knowledge is clearly a commons, as it is mutually produced and shared. In principle Laituri’s activities are open for everyone, but in practical terms actor positions are formed. When economy is seen as everyday negotiations and situations of decision-making, participation may increase the critical consciousness of individuals and expand their scope for action: societal change appears possible also in other contexts.
