The social economy: a means for inclusive & decent work in the circular economy?

By learning from the social economy, we can encourage inclusive and ethical work in the circular economy. The circular economy has the potential to create different kinds of positive social impact, including redistributing and opening up job opportunities for workers with a range of skills and levels of need across geographies. However, its social foundations remain underexplored and as a result are weak. The social economy is a means for achieving many of the social and democratic values that the circular economy must embody to be truly transformative. This includes, particularly, sustainable economic performance, value-led leadership, the rejection of profit maximisation as the sole driver for business and the promotion of decent work, education and secure livelihoods. This paper explores what we can learn from social enterprises and cooperatives operating in the circular economy and how bringing these agendas together can facilitate an inclusive and ethical circular economy that is underpinned by a just and safe labour market. The current environmental focus of the circular economy is a limitation. Achieving a just transition to the circular economy requires attention to all aspects of the triple bottom line. It will require large-sale upskilling and redeployment, as well as maximising the quality of the labour-intensive jobs the circular economy hinges on. Next to the challenges that come with economic transitions, circular business models are not exempt from the same social issues associated with the current economic system and, if overlooked, run the risk of exacerbating these issues too. These blindspots in circular business models include the potential negative impacts related to the distribution of power, wealth and profits amongst workers, labour conditions, social protection and informality. Meanwhile, the social economy is upheld by ethical and social objectives and has a long history of supporting inclusive and decent work. Social organisations collaborate across sectors to create job opportunities and the conditions for decent work, promoting polycentric governance in the interest of collective action. They have a deep history of stabilising or formalising workers engaged in environmentally-friendly forms of work and supporting the integration of people facing disadvantages into the labour market. As such, the social economy should not only be seen as a partner in tackling social development challenges, but also a vital partner in achieving w