ALVES, E. M. M.; ALVES, Ellen Mayara Moura.
Abstract:
The present study's theme is the solidarity economy, but specifically a case study at the
Solidarity Economy house in Sumé- PB. The term “solidarity economy” gained expression and
official status in Brazil during the 1990s, as economic initiatives based on the free association of
people recognized for their participatory nature and principles of cooperation and self-
management emerged. The general objective was to evaluate how the solidarity economy
interferes in the lives of the citizens of Sumé-PB, what are their challenges and expectations for
improvement and life. This research is characterized as a descriptive, exploratory study, of a
qualitative nature and using bibliographical research, through a case study, with the application
of interviews to employees of the Solidarity Economy house, above all, to evaluate mainly the
way in which this house of the economy brings proposals for the community as a whole. With
this, we seek to identify the main challenges faced by solidarity economy enterprises in Sumé in
different geographic and cultural contexts, identifying the expectations associated with this
sector of the economy and highlighting its potential benefits in terms of social inclusion,
reduction of inequality and sustainable development. It is also important to investigate the
practices of self-management and democratic participation within solidarity economy
enterprises and their impacts on decision-making and economic efficiency. Thus, despite
frequent challenges, the city's solidarity economy strengthened over time and somehow
managed to grow, overcoming difficulties, improving the quality of life of its beneficiaries.
