The International Co-operative Movement picks up where Johnston Birchall's widely acclaimed Co-op: The People's Business (MUP, 1994) left off. The volume traces the history and development of the International Co-operative Association (ICA) -- an organization that represents over 700 million individuals worldwide -- from its foundation in 1895 up to the present day. The introductory chapter illustrates how the Co-operative movement evolved in different countries in response to industrialization, urbanization, and the growth ...
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The International Co-operative Movement picks up where Johnston Birchall's widely acclaimed Co-op: The People's Business (MUP, 1994) left off. The volume traces the history and development of the International Co-operative Association (ICA) -- an organization that represents over 700 million individuals worldwide -- from its foundation in 1895 up to the present day. The introductory chapter illustrates how the Co-operative movement evolved in different countries in response to industrialization, urbanization, and the growth of market economies. Subsequent chapters examine the co-operative "ideal", and illustrate how co-operative movements have developed in practice in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Finally, the author looks at democratic theories of participation, and assesses the future of the Co-operative movement. Comprehensive, wide-ranging and accessible, the volume will be of interest to economic and social historians, as well as those involved with or curious about co-operative movements.
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