Does Social Economy Really Constitute a Solution Against Poverty and Social Exclusion?

This paper examines the correlation between poverty, social exclusion and social economy at the local level. Particularly, it attempts to discuss the appropriate conceptual and theoretical models of social economy at the local level and to establish multidimensional poverty and social exclusion indices under a relative perspective.

The research question is: “Do social economy initiatives contribute to the fight against poverty and social exclusion at the local level and what is their impact"?

The analysis is based upon the results of both qualitative and quantitative research of selected areas in the broader area of Athens. More precisely, statistical data and the results of the focus group interviews with key informants, stakeholders and vulnerable people will be discussed with a view to focusing on the appropriate design of social policy and social protection at the local level.