25

In this article, we illustrate the relationship between the State and the “solidarity economy” in Latin America. We analyze two case studies that can be considered as innovative in the field: Venezuela and Brazil. In these countries, the solidarity economy is a fast-growing sector nowadays and public policies are being elaborated to deal with it. However, the dynamics of the State’s role in structuring the solidarity economy are contrasting. In Venezuela, the elaboration of public policy exhibits a top-down approach and many solidarity economy ventures are the product of a proactive State policy. In Brazil on the other hand, public policy results from consultation between the government and the solidarity economy movement that has gradually acquired a place in the public sphere. In this paper, we present both institutionalization processes and draw comparative conclusions on the challenges associated with the growth of the solidarity economy and its relationship with the State and with other institutions.