Les entreprises de l'économie sociale comme source d'innovation sociale. Un détour historique par le XIXe siècle.

The notion of association in the 19th century was throught as an alternatives mode of work organization which could solve the "social question". Though the study of author's as Saint-Simon or Blanc we are able to show that the innovating potential of their reforms is due to the moral framework proposed rather than the elaboration of economic principles distinct from a liberal option. Association is thought as the vector of diffusion of moral principles, thus increasing collective welfare. We also argue that thus particularity of association is still accurate today. Associations are more specific relatively to the values they hold (democratic participation, social utility) rather than the work conditions they offer.