Journal of Co-operative Studies, 34(1), 57-63

Abstract

Co-operatives providing welfare services form a new group of enterprises in the Nordic countries. These co-operatives may differ from other providers of welfare services because of the interests of their members and the institutional structures of co-operatives. The focus in earlier studies of co-operatives has most often been on one of these aspects. In this paper, it is suggested that new institutional theory may provide a more appropriate foundation for studies of these aspects of co-operatives. Members may try to change institutional structures of co-operatives so that they better serve their interests, but existing institutions also provide limitations for the behaviour of members. Special attention should be given to this two-way relationship in order to determine how co-operatives may differ from other providers of welfare services. In this paper empirical findings from Swedish co-operative day care nurseries are presented to illustrate the relationship between institutions and the roles of members in co-operative enterprises providing welfare services.