Some insights with regards to Social Economy suggest a trend towards convergence in relation to concept, scope and the modalities that it adopts in different countries. Nevertheless, there are practices that reveal that the gap to overcome differences is greater than what is obvious to the naked eye.The aim of this paper is to research the different approaches with regards to Social Economy and its conceptualization in the various contexts, countries or regions, as well as the public policies that stem from them.The report on Social Economy in the European Union held by Monzón and Chaves in 2012, shows similarities and differences with regards to the main theoretical approaches of the subject, finding a sort of convergence between solidarity-based economy and social economy.Our aim here is to widen the vision proposed by that approach and find a contrast with it in relation to the Latin American vision.In some places of Europe, Social Economy is considered a tool to achieve reincorporation into the labor market. Within the Latin American perspective, nonetheless, it is seen as an ´alternative to capitalism´ with greater emphasis on self-management. But there is also a broad mix in this continent with visions that are more tinted by mercantilism in those countries marked by traditional cultures.The interest in convergence/divergence of approaches stems from the experience the authors have had in the field of Social Economy ?from teaching and research as well as work projects?, participation in various international conferences, and the theoretical and empirical approximation to the universe of Social Economy in Argentina, Colombia and Belgium. The methodology includes analytical tools, case studies and the experience of participating in theoretical discussions that help to confirm the hypothesis about the existence of important differences in the approach and comprehension of Social Economy.