Para uma multiplicação dos imaginários e das formas de fazer economia: grupo de estudos, pesquisa e extensão em economia popular e solidária da FACE/UFMG

Abstract

The dominant economic theory keeps invisible and underdocumented a set of economic practices that are not based on the principles that operate the capitalist economy. These practices aim at the expanded reproduction of the life of the group or collective involved, while the imperative of accumulation and profit remains subsumed or even inoperative. In some cases, it is possible to glimpse bonds of solidarity and reciprocity that point to a set of political and emancipatory processes that are consolidated by the organization of these groups into associations and cooperatives. The lack of interest of economic science in these practices, most often summarized in terms such as “informal economy” and “disguised unemployment”, contributes to the maintenance of a visibility regime that restricts the development of external public policies for this sector. The article proposes a reflection on these practices based on the experience of Colmeia - Group of studies, research and extension in popular and solidarity economy at FACE/UFMG - whose guiding principle is to reflect, research and expand the imaginary of alternative economic practices. Over the years, the activities carried out within this group have demonstrated important theoretical, empirical and methodological tools for the visibility of the so-called 'other economies' and which will be discussed throughout the text.