Diversifying Economic Practices in Meal Sharing and Community Gardening

E.J. Veen*, Marianne Dagevos

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the diverse economies program of Gibson-Graham. By studying the economic activities of participants of two Dutch food initiatives, we make diverse economic practices visible. Semi-structured interviews were our main research method. Our analysis shows alternative, nonmarket, and noncapitalist elements, displaying inventiveness, creativity, and ease to cross borders between mainstream and alternative economic options. We explored the microscale reality of creating alternatives, focusing on how participants explore economic spaces and shape these. We demonstrate that people diversify their economic practices so as to better fit these into their daily lives. Especially the crossing of the public–private divide makes space for these alternative economic practices. Hence, respondents aim to expand their “repertoires of action”, looking to engage in activities that are useful, challenging, and enjoyable, and that enable the inclusion of ethical and pragmatic values. However, while rewarding, these alternative economic practices are also insecure and precarious. We suggest that rather than assessing diverse economic practices on their effects of ending the dominance of mainstream capitalist economies, they should be evaluated regarding the way in and degree to which they enable an expansion of repertoires of economic action.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages4
JournalUrban Agriculture & Regional Food Systems
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Feb 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Diversifying Economic Practices in Meal Sharing and Community Gardening'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this