Exploring the Unique Aspects of the Northern Social Economy of Food through a Complexity Lens

Connie Nelson,Mirella Stroink

doi:10.22584/nr49.2019.007

Abstract

First published advance online December 16, 2019This article explores our observations on the ways that a social economy of food emerges out of context and place in Northwestern Ontario. We use a theoretical approach that draws on concepts from complexity science to better understand how the diversity inherent in context and place enables the unique social, ecological, and economic features of four case study initiatives. Our analysis of these social economy of food case studies reveals areas where the social economy appears to function differently in Northwestern Ontario, and this divergence from the literature is the focus of the article. We suggest three unique processes: first, a blending of social and capitalist economies; second, limitations of the capitalist economy in this northern setting; and third, the impact of connections with the unique landscape of Northwestern Ontario. We see people in pursuit of livelihood and well-being who are connecting and interacting as complex systems, thereby adapting dynamically through feedback loops to their total ecosystem (social/economic and biophysical), and producing diverse economic and social benefits. The resulting diversity and innovation build well-being, adaptation, and resilience in Northwestern Ontario communities as local food initiatives are strengthened.

Highlights

Economic practices that have a social focus collectively form what is called the social economy
Our analysis shows that the emergence of the social economy in Northwestern Ontario predates “social economy” as historically described in the context of a European innovation
The insights presented in this article came out of a larger project on the social economy of food, in which we examined four case studies of local food initiatives in Northwestern Ontario, representing municipalities, nonprofits,small business entrepreneurs,and First Nations (Nelson et al.,2019)

Summary

Introduction

Economic practices that have a social focus collectively form what is called the social economy. Such practices and the thinking that underlies them are evident around the world and throughout history (Amin, 2009). In distinct anglophone and francophone traditions, the term has been used to describe a range of initiatives, from small enterprises generating social benefits, to transformative activities supporting wider movements for social justice (Moulaert & Ailenei, 2005).The common thread across this diversity is the explicit aim of pursuing both social and economic goals while prioritizing the social (Sonnino & Trevarthen-Griggs, 2013). In more recent efforts to describe the diversity of initiatives that form the social economy, the focus has shifted to describing their common characteristics, principles, objectives, and organization methods.

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Conclusion