Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power
Journal of Co-operative Studies
2024
### 🌍 Context of the Study The article titled "Housing co-operatives in Germany: 160 years of evolution and resilience" is published in the Journal of Co-operative Studies, a reputable source for research on cooperative models. The authors, Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power, examine the historical and contemporary landscape of housing cooperatives in Germany, emphasizing their relevance in addressing current housing challenges. ### 📅 Historical Overview The paper outlines the evolution of housing cooperatives in Germany over the past 160 years, divided into five key periods. The first period, from 1803 to 1914, marks the rise of housing cooperatives, establishing a foundation for collaborative living. The second period, 1914 to 1933, encompasses the impacts of World War I and the subsequent Weimar Republic, during which housing cooperatives faced significant challenges. ### ⚔️ World War Era Challenges The period from 1933 to 1945 highlights the destruction of the values and principles of housing cooperatives during the Nazi regime and World War II, leading to a decline in cooperative housing initiatives. However, post-1945, through October 1990, housing cooperatives experienced a resurgence, particularly in East and West Germany, as communities sought new beginnings and stability in the aftermath of war. ### 🏡 Post-Unification Developments Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, the paper discusses the ongoing challenges that housing cooperatives face in the current socio-economic climate. The authors argue that despite numerous crises, these cooperatives have shown remarkable resilience, continuously adapting to meet the housing needs of their members. This resilience is rooted in the core cooperative values of self-help and mutual support. ### 🔑 Lessons for Europe The authors conclude that the experiences of German housing cooperatives provide valuable lessons for other European nations. They advocate for the establishment of cooperative frameworks that prioritize core values, which are essential for fostering resilience in the face of housing crises. With Germany currently grappling with a significant housing crisis, the role of cooperatives is increasingly pertinent in promoting sustainable housing solutions across Europe.
Journal of Co-operative Studies
Housing co-operatives in Germany: 160 years of evolution and resilience
Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power
Vol 57 No 1, pp. 39-53
https://doi.org/10.61869/GCSP6342
How to cite this article: Pfatteicher, P.A.C., McCarthy, O., & Power, C. (2024). Housing co-operatives in Germany: 160 years of evolution and resilience. Journal of Co-operative Studies, 57(1), 39-53. https://doi.org/10.61869/GCSP6342
Abstract
This paper examines the evolution and resilience of housing co-operatives in Germany from their beginning 160 years ago to the present against the backdrop of an ever-changing political, economic, social, and cultural environment. We divide the discussion into five parts: 1803-1914 — The Rise of Housing Co-operatives; 1914-1933 — World War I and the Weimar Republic; 1933-1945 — Destruction of Housing Co-operative Values and Principles, and World War II; 1945-October 1990 — A New Beginning. Housing Co-operatives in East and West Germany; and Post-1990 — From Unification to Today’s Challenges. We examine select events and developments and their impact on housing co-operatives. We argue that, despite challenges and threats, especially in times of crisis, housing co-operatives persevered, proving resilient and meeting members’ housing needs, motivated by self-help and supported by established core values and principles. Meeting members’ housing needs makes housing co-operatives especially relevant now, given Germany’s ongoing housing crisis. Lastly, we argue other countries can learn from the experience of German housing co-operatives, and establish and support a co-operative framework that allows housing co-operatives to focus on core values and principles, which are the source of co-operative resilience.