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History of The Cooperatives

The cooperative movement originated with Robert Owen who envisioned cooperative communities based on social equality. William King promoted Owen's concepts through a publication called The Cooperator. The Rochdale Pioneers Society was founded in 1844 and was the first modern cooperative enterprise, establishing principles of honesty, transparency, profit-sharing, and democracy that influenced later cooperatives.

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60 views1 page

History of The Cooperatives

The cooperative movement originated with Robert Owen who envisioned cooperative communities based on social equality. William King promoted Owen's concepts through a publication called The Cooperator. The Rochdale Pioneers Society was founded in 1844 and was the first modern cooperative enterprise, establishing principles of honesty, transparency, profit-sharing, and democracy that influenced later cooperatives.

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kyel
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History of the Cooperative

Robert Owen

The Cooperative Movement is believed to have its origins with Robert Owen. He held the belief that
environmental factors, such as opportunities for education and unfavorable working conditions, might
have an effect on a person's character. He envisioned cooperative communities, a "New World Order"
based on social equality, brotherhood, and mutual support. His adherents were referred to be socialists
or cooperatives. Between 1800 and 1820, successful businessman Owen built a model village around his
cotton factory in New Lanark, on the Clyde. Compared to his rivals, he offered more pay for less worked
hours, housing, and learning programs, all while making a profit.

William King

Robert Owen had already introduced his concepts for a cooperative movement to America by 1827.
King, though, took them up and emphasized them. In Brighton, King founded a co-operative store. The
Co-operator was a periodical he launched in May 1828 to promote these concepts. The Co-operator was
widely read and had a significant impact on the new movement. Although it was only published for a
little more than two years, the paper helped to inform and bring together diverse organizations. The
movement had now a philosophical and practical foundation thanks to King's articles in the newspaper.

Rochdale Pioneers

The Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, founded in 1844 by a group of 28 artisans employed in the
cotton mills in the northern English town of Rochdale, was the first modern co-operative enterprise. The
poor working conditions and low pay of the weavers made it difficult for them to pay for the high cost of
food and household items. They arrived at the conclusion that they could get basic necessities at a lower
cost by combining their limited resources and working together. At first, there were just four products
available for purchase: flour, oats, sugar, and butter. The Pioneers came to the understanding that it
was time for customers to be treated with honesty, transparency, and respect, that they should be able
to share in the profits that their business helped generate, and that they should have a democratic right
to have a say in the company. Every person who entered the shop became a member, giving them a
genuine stake in the company. The co-op initially only operated two evenings a week, but within three
months, business had increased significantly, allowing it to operate five days a week.

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