Abstract
This article analyses the development of social economy organisations in Greece during a period of severe economic crisis and austerity. Examining cooperatives, social enterprises, and mutual aid organisations, the study investigates how the social economy sector has responded to the dramatic expansion of unmet social needs resulting from Greece’s economic crisis and the contraction of public services.
Key Findings
The Greek case provides unique insights into the relationship between economic crisis and social economy development:
- The Greek economic crisis triggered a significant expansion of social economy initiatives, particularly in food distribution, healthcare, and social services
- New forms of social economy organisation — including solidarity clinics, social kitchens, and time banks — emerged alongside traditional cooperative forms
- The legal framework for social enterprises (Law 4019/2011) created new institutional possibilities but implementation remained challenging
- Grassroots social economy initiatives demonstrated greater resilience and adaptability than state-funded programmes
- International solidarity networks played a significant role in supporting Greek social economy development
The Greek Social Economy Landscape
The article provides a comprehensive mapping of the Greek social economy, covering:
- Traditional cooperatives: Agricultural, consumer, and worker cooperatives with long institutional histories
- New social enterprises: Organisations established under the 2011 social economy law
- Crisis-response initiatives: Solidarity structures created to address immediate social needs
- Social and solidarity economy networks: Horizontal coordination structures linking diverse organisations
Implications
The Greek experience demonstrates both the potential and limitations of the social economy as a response to systemic economic crisis. While social economy organisations can provide essential services and create social bonds in times of crisis, they cannot substitute for adequate public provision and require supportive institutional frameworks to achieve sustainable scale. The article contributes to broader debates about what constitutes social enterprise and its role in economic recovery.
