Class Social economics

Social Economy is an introductory course on the economic study, drawing together economic, social and political perspectives. It starts from the fundamental concepts of economic analysis in order to examine organisations pursuing social objectives outside the logic of the market and the state, their historical evolution, and their legal and institutional recognition. The syllabus covers the relationship between social objectives and the allocation of scarce resources, contemporary social issues, the mechanisms of income and wealth distribution and redistribution, and the interplay between the state, markets and the social economy. Students are expected to acquire the knowledge and skills to interpret critically the role of the social economy in responding to contemporary challenges and in promoting sustainable development.

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Introduction to the Social Economy Historical evolution and institutional recognition Social objectives and resource allocation Contemporary social issues Distribution and redistribution of income and wealth The state, markets and the social economy

The teaching methodology combines expository and active methods. In class, expository methods convey the core knowledge of the course, while active methods are implemented through practical assignments. The methods adopted aim to develop students' capacity to grasp the main economic concepts and to analyse current social issues and concerns, as well as the economic mechanisms for allocating scarce resources.

1. Bridge, S., Murtagh, B., O'Neill, K. (2009). Understanding The Social Economy and the Third Sector. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN:9781137005434 2. Fernandes, A., Pereira, E., Bento, J. P., Madaleno, M. & Robaina, M. (2021). Introdução à Economia (3th Ed.). Edições Sílabo. ISBN: 9789895613212 3. Grand, J., Propper, C., & Robinson, R. (2008). The Economics of Social Problems (4th Ed.). Red Globe Press. ISBN: 9780230553002 4. Morais, P. A. (2022). Visões da Economia Social. Texto Editora. ISBN: 9789896612603