The Solidarity Economy in India

 

Three examples of an Indian Solidarity Economy:

In this section of our website, we will discuss three different approaches to tackling India's class, gender and ecological conflicts. The Self-Employed Women's Associated seeks to establish alternative systems to help women achevie full and fair employment within India's capitalist system. Action India aims to restructure India's social hierarchy by targeting the reconstruction of social norms through political and economic action. Navdanya seeks to completely transform the social, political and economic structure that exists outside of a capitalist system. For the purposes of this project, we have chosen to examine India's solidarity economy through an anti-class/caste, feminist and ecological lens.

 

What is a Solidarity Economy:

 “Solidarity economy is a new conception of economic life which flows out of values of sharing, ecological sustainability, mutual support, and economic democracy.   This type of economy advocates socially responsible decision-making byconsumers, workers, managers, entrepreneurs, and investors – that is, making decisions that are good both for the decision-maker AND for others and society at large…A growing “solidarity economy” movement seeks to make visible, support and network the new economics which is emerging from the transformative processes” (Matthaei 22).

Matthaei, Julie and Barbara Brandt. "The Transformative Moment: Part II." From Richard Westra, ed. The Political Economy of the Present and Possible Global Future(s). (New York: Anthem Press, 2009), 22.

Solidarity Economy in India:

Many ideas central to the solidarity economy are Gandhian in origin.  Therefore India is a fascinating place to examine solidarity economies and their transformative effects on Indian society.  The Gandhian legacy can be seen in India’s modern solidarity movement.  Part of India’s solidarity economy movement has been infusing society with their own cultural values after decades of capitalist imperialism.  The solidarity economy in India has been inventing interesting ways to express homegrown ideals and combat the hierarchical polarization paradigm. 

 

Think Globally, Act Locally