Abstract
This cumulative PhD thesis, which is based on three main sub-studies (articles) and an additional article on implications, explores the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) of People of African Descent (PAD) in Europe. SSE is believed to contribute to sustainability transformation, as it emphasizes and balances social, economic, and environmental objectives. The SSE also plays a crucial role in the lives of marginalized and racialized communities, such as PAD. The SSE is where PAD find refuge and meet their various fundamental needs. It is also where they actively contribute, through their SSE, to the economy and society. However, the endeavours and contributions of PAD in the SSE have not been well recognized and documented, especially in Europe. Furthermore, the SSE literature has overlooked informal organizations that are common among PAD, as well as the analyses and theories developed by PAD scholars. This thesis aims to contribute to addressing these gaps by exploring the various SSE organizations (SSEOs) of PAD in Europe through a series of interconnected sub studies, and by drawing implications for Social Work (SW) and sustainability transformation. Accordingly, the first sub-study maps all the different types of SSEOs of PAD in Europe through a systematic scoping review (Chapter 2). The second sub-study examines various formal SSEOs of PAD in Italy using a multiple case study design (Chapter 3). The third sub-study addresses informal SSEOs by analysing qualitative data about informal financial institutions of PAD in Germany (Chapter 4). Finally, the fourth sub-study, which is a theoretical contribution, discusses the implications of this thesis (Chapter 5). The thesis also draws on multiple theoretical perspectives, including Critical Realism, Racial Capitalism, and Diverse Economies, to contextualize the results. Results show the existence of diverse types of SSEOs of PAD across Europe, operating in all sectors of the economy, producing goods, services, and knowledge, and making multifaceted contributions to the economies and societies of both the host and origin countries and regions. These SSEOs function as reflexive collective agents of transformation that counter racial capitalism (which undermines the wellbeing and progress of PAD) and present concrete alternatives, enacting postcapitalist economic imaginaries in the here and now. Accordingly, given their importance, the thesis recommends that stakeholders, including governments, other SSE actors, and SW, support the SSEOs of PAD through recognition, collaboration, and targeted action to address their key challenges, such as discrimination and lack of financial resources. The thesis also offers a theoretically informed discussion of key insights and transformative strategies relevant to those engaged in sustainability transformation, including SSEOs and SW, and demonstrates how engaging with its lessons, drawing on critical realism, the SSE, and progressive SW traditions, can help address enduring contradictions within SW.