Social economy in Giurgiu county

Abstract

The article presents the main forms of social economy in Giurgiu County, their social impact and the prospects of the social economy in this county. The offer of social economy, in the narrow meaning of the term, is limited strictly to the cooperative sector: craftsmen cooperatives and consumption cooperatives. The mutual aid units on the pensioners are another form of social organisations which are much more inclusive regarding the disfavoured groups. There is local demand for the social enterprises, particularly in the rural area which is confronted with the lack of jobs and of local services, accessible and personalised. A large void in the social economy offer is due to the poor development of the non-governmental organisations in Giurgiu County. The seven associations and foundations that were identified provide services of social work which are badly needed, but no other non-governmental organisation has been established with the purpose to join social protection with the economic activity. The causes of this state of underdevelopment are multiple, but they are certainly connected to the low level of economic development of the county.