RETRACTED: Resilient to Crises: How Cooperatives Are Adapting Sustainably to Overcome COVID-19-induced Challenges

Mohit Dave

doi:10.1177/0973005221991624

Abstract

This article argues that cooperative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) have a key role to play in transforming to sustainable and resilient societies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It looks at the contributions that CMEs have made in responding to the previous and ongoing crisis in Asia and the Pacific region. This article discusses the role of umbrella organisations and how their initiatives can facilitate a ‘trickle-down’ effect throughout the cooperative movement, highlighting examples of stimulus packages and their policy linkages. This article incorporates a brief overview of large national cooperative enterprises and apexes and their substantial contribution to resilience and sustainability. The author demonstrates the major role that cooperatives and mutuals are playing to foster inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level. This article concludes by arguing that CMEs are particularly resilient in adapting to a crisis, due to the specific features of the cooperative model, including the values of democracy and solidarity, as well as the principles of cooperation among cooperatives and concern for the community. Strong partnerships between and within cooperatives and mutuals can be instrumental in enhancing the emerging role of the movement as a pivotal actor in transforming towards sustainable and resilient societies.

Highlights

With the spread of the COVID-19 and its economic and social impacts, the world has faced a time of unprecedented uncertainty
Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, Capricorn2, has actioned a detailed COVID-19 communications plan to assist over 20,000 members, along with preferred suppliers and staff located across Australia and New Zealand
It is clear that cooperatives at every level of governance are already working towards the recovery from the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Summary

Introduction

With the spread of the COVID-19 and its economic and social impacts, the world has faced a time of unprecedented uncertainty. While the virus is said to be egalitarian, hitting everyone indiscriminately, regardless of their social or economic status, the social and economic inequalities, which already exist in our societies, mean that the crisis is having a devastating impact on the most vulnerable members of society. By losing their job, as a result of the lockdown, people who are already at risk of poverty are losing their main source of income and being denied access to essential goods and services. Women workers are faced with a dual burden; do they represent 70% of the workforce in the healthcare system globally, and they are being forced to work longer shifts and to carry out additional work at home.

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion