Rethinking Economics Education: Student Perceptions of the Social and Solidarity Economy in Higher Education

This article emphasises the critical role higher education institutions (HEIs) play in fostering critical knowledge and social cohesion by exploring students’ perceptions of the social and solidarity economy (SSE). It addresses the need for a more diverse curricular approach within HEIs, particularly in economics and business education, to challenge the dominance of the neoclassical model. This study, conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of the University of the Basque Country, investigates whether students perceive the SSE as a viable alternative to the current economic paradigm and its necessity and innovation in higher education. Utilizing a free-association questionnaire and Iramuteq software analysis, the findings reveal a strong demand for a more inclusive educational framework that incorporates heterodox economic theories, especially the SSE. This research contributes to the discourse on integrating SSE into economics and business courses as part of university social responsibility (USR), highlighting its unique social values.