Understanding the social economy

By Jack Quarter

Subjects: Sociological aspects, Associations sans but lucratif, Business enterprises, canada, Community development, Economics, sociological aspects, Case studies, Politique sociale, Coopératives, Canada, social conditions, Cas, Études de, Canada, economic conditions, Business enterprises, Entreprises, Community development, canada, Cooperative societies, Social policy, Nonprofit organizations, Canada, social policy, Economics, Développement communautaire, Économie sociale

Description: In this resource the authors integrate a wide array of organizations founded upon a social mission - social enterprises, nonprofits, co-operatives, credit unions, and community development associations - under the rubric of the 'social economy.' This framework facilitates a comprehensive study of Canada's social sector, an area often neglected in the business curricula despite the important role that these organizations play in Canada's economy. This resource presents a unique set of case studies as well as chapters on organizational design and governance, social finance and social accounting, and accountability. The examples provide much needed context for students and allow for an original and in-depth examination of the relationships between Canada's social infrastructure and the public and private sectors. With this work, Quarter, Mook, and Armstrong illuminate a neglected facet of business studies to further our understanding of the Canadian economy.