Co-operative housing : the social imperative

Abstract

From its beginnings in early nineteenth century Europe the Co-operative Movement has grown into the world's largest social movement. It represents a middle way between the extremes of control by the State and by big business. Its ideology is based on two objectives: the economic betterment and social development of its members, with the former having been conceived as a means to the latter. But economic betterment has often been an end in itself with social development being at best an incidental benefit.

All members of all co-operatives are encouraged to take an active role in the operation of their co-operatives. Some do, many do not. Housing co-operatives provide a unique opportunity for a high level of member participation and social benefit as members are obliged to work together and are required to live together.

This thesis explores the character and significance of the social development experience of three generations of co-operative housing, and the relations between those co-operatives and the State, and with the private sector.