yhteisötalous

Yhteisötalous, or "community economy" in English, refers to economic activities and systems that are organized and operated by communities, often with a focus on shared ownership, cooperation, and mutual benefit. It stands in contrast to traditional capitalist models that prioritize private ownership and profit maximization. The core principle of yhteisötalous is the idea that economic resources and activities can be managed democratically and for the common good of a defined group or locality.

This can manifest in various forms, including cooperatives, community-owned businesses, local currencies, shared resource management initiatives, and collaborative production or consumption platforms. The emphasis is on building social capital and strengthening local resilience, rather than solely on financial returns. Yhteisötalous often seeks to address social and environmental challenges by prioritizing sustainability, equity, and community well-being.

Key characteristics include participatory decision-making, equitable distribution of benefits, and a commitment to reinvesting resources within the community. These initiatives can range from small, neighborhood-based projects to larger regional networks. The concept is gaining traction as a response to perceived failures of mainstream economic systems, offering an alternative pathway for economic development that is more people-centered and environmentally conscious.