🏠 Context and Publication
This paper, published in the Journal of Co-operative Studies, authored by Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power, explores the historical evolution and resilience of housing co-operatives in Germany over the past 160 years. The journal is focused on co-operative studies and serves as a platform for scholarly articles that discuss various aspects of cooperative movements, including housing.
📅 Evolution of Housing Co-operatives
The study is divided into five segments, starting with the period from 1803 to 1914, which marks the rise of housing co-operatives in Germany. This initial phase saw the establishment of these co-operatives as a response to the housing needs of communities, laying the foundation for a movement that would adapt over time to various socio-economic changes.
⚔️ Impact of War and Political Changes
The second segment, covering 1914 to 1933, examines the impact of World War I and the Weimar Republic on housing co-operatives. During this tumultuous time, the co-operatives faced significant challenges, yet they managed to maintain their core values and principles. The subsequent era from 1933 to 1945 highlights the destruction of these values during the rise of the Nazi regime and the devastation of World War II, which posed existential threats to co-operatives.
🌍 New Beginnings
Following the war, from 1945 to October 1990, a new beginning for housing co-operatives emerged. This period includes the establishment of co-operatives in both East and West Germany, showcasing their ability to adapt to divergent political and economic systems. The authors argue that this adaptability was essential for their survival and growth, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
📈 Post-Unification Challenges
In the post-1990 era, the paper discusses the challenges faced by housing co-operatives in the context of German unification and the ongoing housing crisis. Despite these challenges, the co-operatives have continued to meet the housing needs of their members, driven by self-help and anchored in core cooperative values. The resilience of housing co-operatives makes them particularly relevant in addressing contemporary housing issues in Germany.
🌍 Lessons for Europe
The authors conclude that the experiences of German housing co-operatives offer valuable lessons for other countries. They emphasize the importance of establishing and supporting a cooperative framework that enables housing co-operatives to focus on their core values and principles. This approach could foster resilience and effectively address the housing needs of communities across Europe, particularly in light of the increasing housing crises being faced in various regions.