Kooperatiflik

Kooperatiflik, or cooperativism, is an economic and social philosophy centered on the principle of voluntary association of individuals for their mutual benefit. It is based on a set of values including self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Kooperatiflik also emphasizes the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. The core idea is that by pooling resources, knowledge, and efforts, individuals can achieve economic and social goals that would be difficult or impossible to attain alone.

Cooperative enterprises are owned and controlled by their members, who are also typically the users of the cooperative's services or products. This member-ownership structure ensures that the cooperative operates for the benefit of its members, rather than for external investors. Decision-making within a cooperative is usually democratic, with each member having an equal say, often following the principle of "one member, one vote." This distinguishes cooperatives from traditional businesses where control is proportional to the amount of capital invested.

Kooperatiflik manifests in various forms, including consumer cooperatives, producer cooperatives, worker cooperatives, housing cooperatives, and financial cooperatives (credit unions). These organizations play a significant role in diverse sectors, providing goods and services, creating employment, and fostering community development. The underlying philosophy promotes fairness, sustainability, and a more equitable distribution of wealth and power.