Solidarity Economy and social inclusion: The Immigrant Fair in Florianópolis, Brazil

Abstract

AbstractMotivationThe Solidarity Economy movement emerged in Latin America in the 1970s and 1980s as an alternative mode of production led by mutual principles, such as co‐operative work, self‐management, and consensual distribution of economic gains. Much has been developed on its potential to include groups marginalized by capitalism in new development schemes, but to date there has been no work regarding immigrants’ participation specifically. This research aims to fill this gap.PurposeThe article investigates the importance of the partnership between institutions in the host country and immigrants to their insertion in the Solidarity Economy Fairs in Florianópolis. It questions to what extent it has furthered income generation, the formation of social identity, and the construction of community ties.Methods and approachThe approach is anchored in intervention–research, proposing a socio‐analytical intervention (Aguiar & Rocha, 2007). To pursue qualitative research, an online form was distributed to participants at the Immigrant Fair. The form comprised semi‐structured interviews, with the possibility of giving free answers.FindingsThe data analysis reveals the nuances of the life trajectory of recent immigrants in Brazil: people, mostly of Latin American origin, over 30 years of age, seeking economic insertion in another country. For them, the Solidarity Economy has offered a possibility for social and economic insertion in Brazil. The opportunity for marginalized populations to engage with the Solidarity Economy offers an effective tool against systemic competition. The Fair operates as an alternative to the insertion into the capitalist market for outsider groups, enabling new ways to conduct economic life within the capitalist economy.Policy implicationsOur findings suggest that the Fair has provided immigrants both the means to obtain a weekly (although unstable) financial income and their social integration—it requires interaction with other immigrants, state agents, tourists, and the local community. The social isolation resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic has jeopardized both outcomes. In order to consolidate solidarity ventures and immigrants’ enterprises, there is an urgent need to implement a public policy regarding immigrants’ social and economic rights in Santa Catarina State.