The Co-operative Movement and Communities in Britain, 1914-1960

This comprehensive study examines the co-operative movement's significant influence on British society from 1914 to 1960, exploring its impact on communities, consumer protection, and relationships with other labor organizations.

The Co-operative Movement and Communities in Britain, 1914-1960 offers a comprehensive examination of the significant role the co-operative movement has played in various facets of British society, including retail, wholesale, and cultural life. This book stands as the first major national study to analyze the growth of co-operation and its influence during a pivotal era marked by both war and peace. While the movement has actively represented consumer interests and engaged in consumer protection efforts, it has often been overshadowed by research focused on the Labour Party and trade unions. This work seeks to fill that gap by reassessing the co-operative movement's impact on communities across Britain from 1914 to 1960.

The author delves into the local application of national directives, exploring how co-operative principles were adapted to fit the unique contexts of different societies in England, Scotland, and Wales. Each chapter highlights various aspects of the movement, with a particular focus on the Midlands, where co-operatives experienced significant growth during the interwar period. The book also draws comparisons with developments in Europe, enriching the understanding of the co-operative movement's broader implications.

Key themes include the relationship between the co-operative movement and other labor organizations, the cultural and social dimensions of co-operative societies, and the politicization of the movement, particularly in response to the formation of the Co-operative Party. Additionally, the author examines the economic impact of co-operative membership on families and its connection to consumer activism. This timely study provides a much-needed reassessment of the co-operative movement's contributions to British social, economic, and consumer history.