This course examines the role and modus of the sphere of non-public, economically active organisations that primarily pursue social and idea-borne objectives, and you will learn to describe, compare and assess major theoretical approaches to the role and mode of operation of the social economy as a sector, and of the organisations within it. There is an emphasis on definitions of this sector, and the ways in which conventional economic terms, such as legal incorporation forms, liability and governance are applied in this seemingly non-economic field. You will learn to distinguish between the non-profit and the social economy approaches, and the ways in which the two can be integrated, as well as to categorise major actors within the field, with particular emphasis on the Swedish situation. Theories about social capital, resource mobilisation and social entrepreneurship are introduced and used as analytical instruments, and you will apply them to Swedish and international case studies.

Course design

Teaching is in the form of compulsory seminars, and the course assessment includes written seminar assignments and an oral and written case presentation.