Solidary Collaborative Networks: a study about the Associação de Moradores do Conjunto Palmeiras - Fortaleza/CE (Master Dissertation) more

Our society has been living a transformation process stimulated by the technological revolution. The current scenario is complex, with the predominance of global neoliberal vision and having its focus on market expansion and strong wealth generation despite people and their rights. This hegemonic system is perverse and pressures people to a bigger reflection on their values and commitments, as well as on alternatives that make possible a new human development perspective based on equity and sustainability – this perspective may privilege local communities and social capital. In this context, community networks initiatives combined with Solidary Economy drives through a fair way of life for a large portion of the excluded population. This combination is known as a Solidary Collaborative Network. The collaborative network approach increases collective interactions, integrates diversities and powers the Solidary Economy.
This thesis describes the Solidary Collaborative Network experience (ASMOCONP/Banco Palmas network) which is organized by Conjunto Palmeiras inhabitants association (ASMOCONP), a poor community from the periphery quarters of the city of Fortaleza (CE). The research has been carried out by a qualitative approach and is based on semi-structured interviews and bibliographic and documental studies in order to create a case study that maps the ASMOCONP/Banco Palmas network and describes its main protagonists, decision and management techniques. This work has also identified its benefits and impacts to the community and shows that its success is based on the community identity, social capital and the periphery quarters protagonist culture.
Final considerations discuss the challenges to be faced by the ASMOCONP/Banco Palmas network and alert to the insufficient government support which should be a more integrated public politics for the Solidary Economy