Capital social e empreendimentos de economia solidária: a experiência dos consumidores da Feira Virtual da Rede Bem da Terra

Abstract

This study aimed to approximate the principles of solidarity economy to the idea of social capital, emphasizing that social capital is not located in people, but in relationships between them, and that its existence increases the resources available to individuals who are involved in such relationships, forming different arrangements between individuals and associations with common interests. Recognizing social capital as an attribute of non-tangible value that is immersed in social relations, and, since it can only be verified by its functions and results, this research was concerned with studying it in the context of solidarity economic enterprises, as in the case of Bem da Terra network. In this sense, as a central objective, this study sought to measure the levels of social capital in the consumers’ association of the Bem da Terra network, verifying if the elements of social capital are present in the context of the study and if they contribute to the economic sustainability of the Virtual Fair of Bem da Terra network. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methodology was adopted, with the quantitative approach occupied in the measurement of social capital and the qualitative approach occupied in gathering information that aims to deepen and understand to aid the quantitative analysis. The data collected were submitted to descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis and student t test. As main conclusions, it is noteworthy that the level of social capital existing in the responsible consumption group (GCR) of the Bem da Terra network can be considered sufficient to guarantee the functioning of the Virtual Fair. For future studies, it is suggested to adapt the instrument used in the quantitative approach.