This thesis focuses on solidarity economy’s certification labels, charters and participatory systems, as “quality devices”. It contributes to the sociological analysis of these devices, in a sector in which they are increasing in number and have become more diverse since the 1990’s. This investigation relies on interviews in twelve networks (fair-trade, community-supported agriculture, LETS…), observations, document analysis and the administration of a questionnaire.The history of these measures accounts for the role they play in the construction of a collective identity. The way they operate raises democratic issues. Their underlying representations of confidence and quality reveal the positioning of these networks on standard production and in relation to each other. Their uses as economic and identity-shaping tools need to be viewed as part of a protest strategy adopted by the networks’ most active members. Differences in expectations among network members give rise to difficulty in implementing quality measures. They are not only intended to help buyers but also created by committed producers in order to promote values they consider as “alternative” in regards to classical economy.
