Understanding co-operative identity through relationality

The kernel of co-operative identity is the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of social and economic integration in co-operatives. This paper discusses the limitations of economic and sociological theoretical frameworks in capturing the integrative and relational nature of co-operative identity. The author outlines how relational theory with its focus on emergence and its ability for integration may be a better fit with co-operative practice and hence the articulation of co-operative identity and theory.