mútuas

Mútuas is a term used in Iberian and Portuguese-speaking contexts to refer to mutual aid organizations and mutual insurance societies. The word derives from the idea of mutuality or reciprocal support among members. Mútuas are typically non-profit associations built on the principle that members contribute to a shared fund to provide benefits in times of need, such as illness, injury, disability, or death, as well as social or economic support.

Core characteristics include member ownership and control, pooled resources, and risk sharing. Decisions are usually taken by assemblies or elected boards, and benefits are distributed according to established rules rather than market incentives. While the specific activities vary by country and sector, mútuas commonly offer health care assistance, sickness or unemployment benefits, funeral support, loans or microcredit, and social services. They may also run prevention and welfare programs for members and their families.

In Spain, the term mútuas is often associated with mutuals colaboradoras con la Seguridad Social, private non-profit bodies that operate within the Social Security system to manage certain benefits related to work-related accidents and illnesses. They are funded by contributions from employers and workers and are regulated by law.

In Portugal and several Latin American contexts, mútuas historically provided social security-like support and mutual aid before broad state welfare systems existed and continue in various forms as mutual societies or cooperatives. They generally emphasize solidarity, community resilience, and member-benefit rather than profit.

Overall, mútuas represent a historical and contemporary model of collective risk-sharing that complements state welfare and private insurance through member-driven governance and non-profit aims.