The Promise and the Power of Social Cooperatives

The democratization of social care realigns the roles of state and civil society within a larger framework of social and political transformation. Social cooperatives are a prime example of how cooperative values are rehumanizing social care by restoring the social and interpersonal relations that are its foundation.
—John Restakis, Civilizing the State

In response to neoliberal efforts to roll back state social service provision, a new type of social care has emerged. Known as “solidarity cooperatives” in Canada and “social cooperatives” in Italy, these community-led enterprises deliver high-quality childcare, eldercare, and disability care, among other offerings. (Nor are Canada and Italy alone, as this past NPQ article on South Korea details.)