Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, & Carol Power
Journal of Co-operative Studies
2024
🏠 Context and Publication 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 that focuses on the development and analysis of co-operative practices. The authors, Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power, bring their expertise to explore the historical and contemporary significance of housing co-operatives in Germany, a model that has evolved over the past 160 years. 📅 Historical Overview The study divides the history of housing co-operatives in Germany into five distinct periods. The first period, from 1803 to 1914, marks the rise of housing co-operatives, laying the groundwork for a movement that would respond to the housing needs of various socioeconomic classes. The second period covers World War I and the subsequent Weimar Republic from 1914 to 1933, illustrating how geopolitical upheaval impacted housing policies and co-operative viability. ⚔️ Challenges Faced The third period, from 1933 to 1945, details the destruction of co-operative values and principles during the Nazi regime and World War II. This was a time of significant adversity for housing co-operatives, as their foundational ideals were undermined. However, following the war, the period from 1945 to October 1990 marks a new beginning, with co-operatives in both East and West Germany navigating the challenges of post-war reconstruction and political division. 🌍 Post-Unification Era The final section of the paper focuses on the post-1990 era, addressing the ongoing challenges faced by housing co-operatives in the context of reunification and modern housing crises in Germany. The authors argue that despite these challenges, housing co-operatives have demonstrated resilience, adapting to meet the evolving needs of their members through self-help initiatives and adherence to co-operative principles. 📊 Relevance to Sustainable Housing The paper posits that the experiences of German housing co-operatives offer valuable lessons for other countries in Europe facing similar housing issues. It highlights the importance of establishing a supportive co-operative framework that allows these organizations to focus on their core values and principles, which are essential for their resilience and relevance in today's housing landscape. The findings underscore the potential of housing co-operatives as sustainable solutions to address the growing housing crisis in Germany and provide a model for other European nations to consider.
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.