A Social and Solidarity Economy Network's Evolution on Sustainability Discourses: Weak Versus Strong Sustainability

ABSTRACT

This study explores innovations concerning sustainability discourses in the case of a Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) network. We analyse the incorporation of discursive elements characteristic of strong sustainability versus weak sustainability approaches in the different Solidarity Economy Principles Charters over time (2000, 2011, 2022), for the case of Spain's Red de Economía Alternativa y Solidaria (REAS; Alternative and Solidarity Economy Network). The methodology combines discourse analysis of the three charters following an abductive logic that moves iteratively between theory and data. Discursive fragments are coded along a four‐level sustainability continuum (from very weak to very strong), based on three criteria: capital substitutability, stance towards economic growth and conception of nature. The findings highlight that REAS's normative language and frames of reference have evolved towards the incorporation of an increasing number of discursive elements associated with a strong sustainability perspective, including concepts such as rights of nature or limits to growth. This study shows how REAS's sustainability discourse has evolved from a weak sustainability orientation towards normative elements characteristic of very strong sustainability; but translating this discursive shift into robust measurement indicators and substantial practical transformations remains a significant challenge.