International Co-Operative Movement

The International Co-operative Movement follows on from Johnston Birchall’s widely acclaimed Co-op: The People’s Business ( MUP, 1994). The volume traces the history and development of the International Co-operative Movement (ICA) - an organisation that represents over 700 million individuals worldwide - from its foundation in 1895, up to the present day. The introductory chapter illustrates how the Co-operative Movement grew in different countries in response to industrialisation, urbanisation and the growth of market economies. Subsequent chapters examine the co-operative ‘ideal’, and illustrate how co-operative movements have developed in practice in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Finally, the volume looks at democratic theories of participation, and assesses the future of the Co-operative Movement. Comprehensive, wide-ranging and accessible, the volume will be of interest to economic and social historians, as well as those involved with co-operative movements.