Young recyclers, popular economy, and environment. A comprehensive experience of socio-occupational inclusion in the Buenos Aires suburbs, Argentina

Abstract

The problems related to the labor insertion of the young population sector are an important topic in current research and policies in Argentina. Its magnitude presented the challenge of reflecting broadly on the involvement of young people in productive activities, especially those who belong to popular sectors whose life trajectories are crossed by precariousness and are the sector most affected by unemployment and precarious work. The available information reflects that within the so-called popular economy in Argentina, they represent a majority group. This article focuses on the analysis of a current experience, the Cooperativa de Recicladores Unidos de Avellaneda, which emerged within the framework of a social organization, the Movement of Excluded Workers (MTE) and which, in turn, is part of a movement broader, the Popular Economy Workers Union (UTEP). The case study was configured to explain how the organization around an activity typical of the popular economy, recycling, allowed to generate work, productivity and environmental care, at the same time that it was configured as an integral strategy while promoting coordinated work between a social organization and the State at its different levels. Thus, this experience became an alternative for inclusion in the world of work for young people from low-income sectors of the Buenos Aires suburbs, who came to the cooperative through their closest ties, their neighborhood or community ties.