coopératifs

Coopératifs, often translated as cooperatives, are autonomous associations of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. The core principle is "one member, one vote," regardless of the amount of capital contributed. This structure distinguishes cooperatives from traditional capitalist businesses, where control is typically proportional to investment.

Cooperative models exist across various sectors, including agriculture, housing, consumer goods, finance, and worker-owned businesses. Agricultural cooperatives, for example, allow farmers to pool resources for marketing, purchasing supplies, or processing their produce, thereby gaining greater market power. Consumer cooperatives operate retail stores where members purchase goods and services, with profits often distributed back to members based on their patronage. Housing cooperatives provide affordable and democratic management of residential properties. Worker cooperatives are businesses owned and managed by their employees, fostering a more equitable distribution of benefits and decision-making power.

The establishment and operation of cooperatives are guided by internationally recognized principles, including voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. These principles aim to ensure that cooperatives remain true to their member-centered and socially responsible ethos.