Social welfare: the solidarity economy as an economic structure in view of vulnerabilities in rural settlements in Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

Social vulnerability in Brazilian rural settlements is a complex phenomenon, characterized by precariousness in basic infrastructure, difficulties in accessing drinking water and limitations in the flow of agricultural production. This study analyzes two settlements in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, with emphasis on agroecological production conditions and socioeconomic inequalities. The research, based on oral history, investigates the influence of public policies in the well-being of these communities, considering the Popular Solidarity Economy as a strategy to mitigate socioeconomic marginalization and question hegemonic models of development. The absence of structural investments compromises productive autonomy and hinders the insertion of these communities in the formal market. In this context, solidary techno-science emerges as a transformative approach, allowing the appreciation of local knowledge and the strengthening of productive self-management. The study is based on the concepts of Celso Furtado about the “myth of economic development”, in addition to the contributions of Milton Santos, Karl Polanyi, Paul Singer and Renato Dagnino. The findings indicate that collective initiatives and socio-technical innovations can favor the emancipation of settlements. However, effective public policies are essential to ensure infrastructure, market access and technical support, and through this integration it is possible to promote sustainable and equitable development.