Legal and empirical evidence of the social function of cooperatives. Water distribution cooperatives as a case study
Abstract
This study focuses on the social function of cooperatives, which is reflected in their legal framework, more specifically in their social object, which is not limited to satisfying the needs of its members, but should also take into account the interests of the community where the cooperative develops its activity, in its democratic and participatory organisation and operation, in its economic system based on the value of equitability both in the admission requirements of members and in the results’ distribution. The study uses an eminently qualitative research methodology, through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with the individuals responsible for managing five water distribution cooperatives located in the southern localities of the municipality of Paredes, in Portugal. The empirical evidence obtained confirms the important social role played by cooperatives, and their intra-cooperative and extra-cooperative social function is evident. As empirical evidence of this social function, we have described present the water distribution cooperatives that allow their members and the community access to water, at socially acceptable average prices and comply with all legal requirements for monitoring, control and quality.
Received: 09 May 2022
Accepted: 28 October 2022
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References
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