Practicing Cooperation
- 272 Seiten
- 10 Lesestunden
A powerful new understanding of cooperation emerges as an antidote to alienation and inequality. From the crises of racial inequity and capitalism that inspired movements like Black Lives Matter and the Green New Deal to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, stories of mutual aid reveal that cooperation, while diverse and evolving, serves as a form of economic solidarity capable of addressing contemporary social and economic challenges. This work presents a timely argument for the widespread adoption of cooperative practices as a pathway to a more just society. What makes cooperation ethical, effective, and sustainable? By offering a new conceptual framework for cooperation as a social practice, the text critiques three U.S.-based cooperatives: two co-op grocers in Philadelphia navigating growth, a federation of low-cost community acupuncture clinics across the U.S., and a collectively managed experimental dance company in Philadelphia. Through these case studies, the author highlights the elements that contribute to the success of contemporary cooperatives, such as dedicated practitioners, a commitment to inclusion, and ongoing critical reflection. The work emphasizes that economic and social cooperation must be examined and implemented on multiple scales to counteract competitive individualism. Grounded in practitioners' voices, it provides a clear-eyed look at the lived experiences of cooperators and serves
