Rochdale consumer co-operatives and Australian labour history

Nikola Balnave, Greg Patmore

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[The idea of Rochdale Consumer Co-operatives was imported from the United Kingdom (UK) to Australia. The motivation for establishing and joining the co-operatives varied. There was the economic motivation of additional income through interest on capital and the regular dividend based on purchases. At the other extreme there were those who saw the co-operatives as the basis for a Co-operative Commonwealth and the overthrow of capitalism. The consumer co-operatives would generate sufficient capital for the establishment of co-operative banks, co-operative insurance and producer co-operatives, which would supplant capitalist enterprises. This paper will examine the meaning of 'co-operation' and focus on particular attributes of the Rochdale consumer co-operatives. It will then look at the treatment of the Rochdale co-operative movement in Australian labour historiography, suggesting several reasons for its marginal treatment by labour historians. Finally, the paper will explore several issues in relation to the Rochdale co-operatives as a political movement, employer and business.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Past is Before Us: Proceedings of the Ninth National Labour History Conference
    PublisherUniversity of Sydney
    Number of pages1
    ISBN (Print)0975767003
    Publication statusPublished - 2005
    EventNational Labour History Conference -
    Duration: 15 Sept 2011 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceNational Labour History Conference
    Period15/09/11 → …

    Keywords

    • consumer cooperatives
    • Rochdale (Firm)
    • labor
    • Australia
    • historiography
    • cooperation

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