The history of the cooperative movement examines the early days of cooperatives around the globe. The cooperative movement began when cooperative principles were applied to business organization, although cooperative arrangements like mutual insurance and principles of cooperation had existed for a long time prior to this.
Applying cooperative principles, we create social enterprises that promote solidarity and a more inclusive economy, enabling individuals to make positive contributions to their own and future generations' prosperity and well-being.
The cooperative movement originated in Europe, especially in Britain and France..
It arose due to labor and social challenges brought about by mechanization during and after the Industrial Revolution.
The Fenwick Weavers' Society was formed in Fenwick, East Ayrshire, Scotland.
Local weavers began selling discounted oatmeal, establishing the first recorded consumer cooperative.
Rev. Henry Duncan of the Ruthwell Presbyterian Church in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, founded the first savings bank.
The bank aimed to help the poorest community members save money and earn interest for emergencies and retirement.
This institution later merged into the Trustee Savings Bank between 1970 and 1985.
at Catalysing Change Week 2024: Cooperatives as Agents of Systems Change Building the social innovation sector at Catalysing Change Week 2024: