Alternative Economies and Commoning Practices in Catalonia: Unpacking <i>Ecoxarxes</i> from a Social Studies of Economisation Perspective

The alternative economies of the Ecoxarxes (eco-networks) are created by autonomous networks like-minded groups that use social currency and mutual support practices for producing exchanging goods, services knowledge in Spanish region Catalonia. Drawing on ethnographic research, we show these commoning projects aim to establish sustain predominantly framed as fostering cooperation, aid commons. However, complicate picture using a studies economisation approach an analytical method, highlighting variegated contested character Ecoxarxes. This perspective demonstrates how economic projects, including ones, have their own framings, frictions, challenges misfires emerge from within. As much post-capitalist spirit praxis, equally engage with issues such overaccumulation currency, need regulation, burnouts constraints participation. Las (eco-redes) son redes autónomas de grupos afines que generan economías alternativas usando moneda y prácticas ayuda mutua para producir e intercambiar bienes, servicios conocimientos en la región Cataluña. Basándonos métodos etnográficos, mostramos estos proyectos establecen sostienen se enmarcan el fomento cooperación, los bienes comunes. Sin embargo, introducimos más complejidad análisis utilizando enfoque estudios sociales economización como método analítico, destacar diversidad las Esta perspectiva demuestra económicos, incluidos alternativos, tienen sus propios marcos, fricciones, retos fallos surgen desde su interior. En medida un espíritu poscapitalista una praxis orientada hacia comunes, también nos ocupamos cuestiones sobreacumulación social, necesidad regulación, desgaste personal limitaciones participación. Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many contradictions inequalities hyper-global growth-oriented capitalism (Sheppard 2020; Standring Davies 2020). Instances resistance, alterity experimentation become more relevant than ever if hope fundamentally re-shape exchange envisage future characterised degrowth stronger sense solidarity instead competition, profit inequality. Alternative networked community-based currencies Catalonia contribute colossal endeavour. is widely considered be rich history movements (Fernandez-Planells et al. 2014; Morell 2012), self-organised (Juris 2010; Yates 2015), cooperativism (Dafermos 2017; Morales López 2016), proposals (Cattaneo Gavaldà Sekulova 2017) (Calvário Kallis Conill 2012; Lynch In this geographical political context, new practices, non-market or non-capitalist, emerged showcase local (Balaguer Rasillo 2021; CooDin SCCL 2019; Oliver Sanz 2016). Many been linked context poverty, unemployment, inequality generated 2008 financial crisis (Sánchez-Hernández Glückler 2019). We analyse Catalonia, particular currencies, which key allowing us navigate complexities potential experiments. regional individuals knowledge. independent yet they maintain links each other. These active since 2011 located areas Manresa, La Garrotxa, Tarragona, Montseny Empordá. Post-capitalist approaches useful engaging cooperativist forms organisation (Bresnihan Byrne 2015; Chatterton Pusey Dallyn Frenzel 2021). Similarly, literature diverse inspired Gibson-Graham’s (1996, 2008) work grappled issue legitimate community initiatives sites generating difference (Gibson-Graham 2013). Our foundational ideas intellectual project seeks uncover variety existing practices. opened field engagement moves beyond binary logic positions alternatives against capital, rendering either peripheral, marginal, subordinate (Healy 2009; Jonas 2010). Yet Healy (2009:339) points out, research met criticism being overly celebratory non-capitalist spaces, turn reproduces dualism. order understand without subordinating it opposition, (2010:11) proposes “more complex relational analysis takes into account not just diversity, but also tension, antagonism politics”. He thus argues “future should investigating revealing tensions underpinning emergence, growth, contraction, co-optation and/or proliferation spaces” (Jonas 2010:5), paper aims do. For this, take inspiration (e.g. Çalışkan Callon 2009, 2010) recent extension “geographies marketisation” phenomena “non-market” (Berndt Boeckler line economisation/marketisation argue its toolbox perspectives can adopted disentangle economies. strand interested scripts, models translate ground “market entities” 2012). Focusing mainly “conventional” (i.e. neoclassical) markets, at pains open black box seemingly natural thing called “market” point hidden backstory: calculations, machinations evaluations frame appearance contradictions, frictions articulations “complex hybrids” (Peck 2020:5). Hence, our develop nuanced understanding first step, case will presented entities comprised assemblage actors different communities. demonstrate typically around principles, attempting “to realise symmetrical less alienated relations” (Rantisi 2020:275). second arguing despite aforementioned ideals, face intrinsic moments dissonance. particular, instances trade imbalances, activist burnout. Importantly, expose examples failed exercises establishing alterity. On contrary, motivation grounded empathetic critique provide empirical material informs based qualitative research. Fieldwork was carried out Author 1 January February September December 2019. Multi-site participant observation (at meetings “alternative markets”), semi-structured interviews informal conversations activists users were crucial grasping function. During fieldwork, visited all discussed multiple occasions. data collected consists 24 recorded interviews, transcribed thematically coded, well notes related observation. Interviews conducted participants various organisations, former Cooperative Integral Catalana (CIC), Faircoop Komun. Regarding positionality, considers himself researcher; he speaks Catalan fluently, facilitated access interviewees. After presenting theoretical framework next section, then introduce subsequent section describes ways alongside values followed intricacies within explore way led certain reframing, merely introducing regulations limits. To conclude, summarise findings stress importance whilst paying attention constructive present A tradition geography engages debates Caffentzis Federici Gerhardt Stavrides Commoning theorised commons, emphasising process requiring constant performance rather stagnant concept (Linebaugh usually analysed counter-capitalist terms resistance enclosure, sprinkled optimism worlds flourishing (Caffentzis 2014). De Angelis (2014, 2017), instance, represents both rejection capitalist mode (re)production promise development ethical (2017:207) understands commons system transformational ruled opposed capital; commoning, argues, “a form cooperation resists dominant paradigm modern life, operates outside code protocol capitalist-dominated cooperation”. Ecoxarxes, argue, fits done topic, considering there strives collectively post-capitalism pooled immaterial resources (see 2017). (2021) (2020) base analyses Angelis’s framework. While literature, tendency reproduce capital/non-capital noted, dualist risks glorifying positioned capital. (2019:30) recently argued, contributions often “celebrate co-ownership, co-production co-management goods spaces”. Whilst sharing enthusiasm, overcome mere projects. therefore day-to-day workings read perspective. unpacks logics. reading literatures (Çalışkan geographies marketisation 2012, main focus scholarship lies orthodox market along neoclassical principles), tools productively mobilised Berndt 2020:88). doing so, move narrow preoccupation method (Law At heart interest knowledge, scripts materialise “markets” other 2020a; 1998a). departs conceptualisations markets taken-for-granted, idealised infallible institutions naturally organise socioeconomic activities purely Literature draw invisibilised backstory produced, i.e. through valuations, frailties, contingencies hybrid concrete arrangements 2020b). Erving Goffman’s (1974) notion frame, (1998b) conceptualises market-making instance framing. entails that, one hand, appear surface defined principles. indicates devices collaborate committed actors, structure bracketed-out space logics (ibid.; Peck Important here recognition framing exercise never complete fails fully crowd rationalities. what calls (2010) overflows (1998b), effects lead irritations disruptions included program initial arrangement. “the must constantly reformed built up scratch: ceases re-emerge course long stormy negotiations” (Callon 1998b:266). Thus, comes light behind-the-scenes messiness arrangements. (2020:5) accordingly approached hybrids”, where mainstream rationalities always articulate wide array other, non-economic Wirth When nothing marketised, holds opposite process. below calculatory presence endeavours, complicating practice Economisation controversial subject attracted some criticism, economists concerned about questions power politics (Christophers Miller 2002). Mirowski Nik-Khah (2007) hold ignore historical origins role played shaping ideology, thereby sidelining struggles Likewise, Christophers (2015:1860), “construction empathically technicist unmoored context”. recently, cultural economy put fruitful dialogue explain implementation results uneven spatial (Ouma 2013; acknowledging above-mentioned critiques, give important instruments studying whose functioning otherwise black-boxed “overdetermined continuation (Cohen 2018:903). conceptual move, invert above argument suggest performed any set relations, interventions 2020a). Just others focused unboxing traditional “conventional”, neoclassical-type markets), seek problematise frames entities. Accepting Jonas’ invitation pay deploy Along lines, surface, too, anti-capitalist shared commitment postcapitalist futures. From perspective, unpack narratives veil host conflicting accurate “objects-in-the-making”, shot result performativity. Originating self-organisation, movements, communities experimenting production ecological owe existence experiences (CIC).11 https://ecoxarxes.cat/ (last accessed 17 May 2022). CIC operated across entire territory developing 2010 community-led seen resurgence following started (Conill Sánchez-Hernández profiles interviewees vary. small, artisans farmers who modes times need. Some backgrounds, having had previous experience bigger cities universities, now promoting fuelled partially necessity crisis. Most speakers strong share views sustainability democratic governance. general, hobbies, people depend them least extent) lives vis à increasing precarisation labour. Figure situates territory. Further details five currently operating respective found Table 1. number operational inevitably changes over time since, fluid while cease activity. One elements usage currency. movement, (Meyer Hudon North Parallel collective “agreements accept something else legal tender means payment” (Lietaer 2004:3). Additionally, labelled “alternative” oppositional “relation conceptions state, society” “critique state-created money tool subjugation” (North 2014:248). differs “complementary currencies” do actively challenge LETS system, virtual interest-free cheques records transactions between members (Granger 2010, Williams 2001), similarities Community Exchange System (CES) CES online enables physical currency.22 https://www.community-exchange.org/ Similar complementary Hallsmith 2006; Ortiz function zero sum 2021),33 “zero saldo” approach, someone sells product two units, example, person would +2 buyer –2. way, total negative positive balances match. meaning real activity rates. exchanged vary Ecoxarxa mostly include essential food supplies therapies, woodwork, ironmongery, machine repair shoe mending. Much bought sold produced locally sustainably. developed tool, IntegralCES, open-source allow keep modifying improving when needed. Interviewees satisfied application IntegralCES. It blend interaction producers consumers, activists, IntegralCES spaces place jointly constitute accordance economies—mainstream alternative—have predominant defies conventional framings discuss entities, driven emphasis ties concern distant others. refers going services, saw Iberian Peninsula, world, model basis expand. exchange, horizontal movement decisions made assembly. More values: degrowth, ecology … therefore, level. Each group, territory, could assembly, participants, needs resources. But somehow, equivalence currencies. So even though same (Interview Jordi, 2019)44 Tarragona. Recorded interview, Point 25 (so gain currency) consumers spend it), general foster consumption. All consuming ecologically produced. Jordi states: “Me respect people, working conditions, gender values, animals, earth environment, organic fair trade” 2019).55 range products available, ranging drinks (beer, wine, juices, refreshments), fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, milk), soaps (shower gel, disinfectants, toothpaste, cleaning products), processed (olive oil, dairy products, veggie burgers, spreads, marmalades, pickles, nut butters, honey, freshly baked goods), remedies (CBD ointments, herbal medicines, candles). Bages organises regular neighbours meet buy sell enjoy (Figure 2). Despite geographically separate, remain connected. offered consumed exclusively local. Whenever available locally, gather Euros cash holdings and, may purchase rice oranges another region, cooperatives. good example so-called Rutas Kombativas (combative routes) Valencia, drive truck full citrus fruits Valencian distribute They operate transportation costs FairCoin (for information FairCoin, see Balaguer unloading back Valencia almonds oil distributed (further below). Gota meets weekly boxes vegetables online. Its mixed, Gotas, depending preference user. sense, make great effort source produce items. connect cooperatives immediate locations. only ensures steady supply demanded maintains vast network producers. endeavours linking communities, focusing local, putting efforts maintaining micro-economy, relations offering services. Bages, producer olive stated: “Life small itself economically. also, you confederating super important. I looking view. And why Bages” Pavle, 2020).66 del Bages. online, 20 2020. Since fixed scale, towards confederalism, complex, interwoven direct proximity lot experimenting. got know cooperative [CIC]. it’s maybe directly network. countryside, trying materialistic, network, helped me knowing exist. feel alone. Marta, 2019)77 CIC. “Cooperativa L’Egarenca” centre, 29 thinking myself, “Wow, accomplished goes monetary economy”. Human perhaps. WhatsApp group: change repaired; minutes sorted. Well anything. Here internet [IntegralCES] breaks down does matter. human intertwinement done. 180 passed connected Trok [social Garrotxa]. Sergi, 2019)88 Garrotxa. “Area ocupació Matas” Olot, November sum, encourage generate prices deemed fair. Framing responsibility, articulating ethics “concern others” (Popke 2014:970). words, posited return spatially bounded place. resonates Doreen Massey’s (1993) space, she insisted seeing places