Organizations owned and operated by their members for their mutual benefit, typically in business, agriculture, or housing. Members share profits and decision-making based on democratic principles.
From Latin 'cooperatus,' past participle of 'cooperari' meaning 'to work together,' from 'co-' (together) and 'operari' (to work). The modern economic concept developed during the Industrial Revolution as workers sought alternatives to capitalist business structures.
Cooperatives represent one of humanity's oldest economic principles—mutual aid—formalized into modern business structures. The Rochdale Pioneers of 1844 established principles still used today, proving that ancient concepts of shared work can adapt to contemporary commerce.
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