Journal of Co-operative Studies 53(1), 31-34

Abstract

It is taken as read that co-operatives and mutuals subscribe to a set of core values and principles articulated in the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Statement on the Co-operative Identity. So how intact and robust are these principles in practice and is it possible to see points of fracture and tensions that may be cause for concern? Have and do the tensions support different imaginings of co-operatives as we respond to continued social, economic and environmental crises and as new forms of co-operativism emerge? Taking Birchall and Ketilson's (2009) focus on four principles they define as fundamental to co-operative identity, this paper identifies several arwas of fracture and tensions for co-operative values-led organisations.

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