Journal of Co-operative Studies
2024
Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power
The article titled "Housing co-operatives in Germany: 160 years of evolution and resilience" explores the historical development and enduring strength of housing co-operatives in Germany. Authored by Peter Alexander Carl Pfatteicher, Olive McCarthy, and Carol Power, this research highlights how these co-operatives have adapted to significant political and social changes over the past century and a half. The paper is structured into five distinct periods, commencing with the rise of housing co-operatives from 1803 to 1914, followed by the challenges faced during World War I and the Weimar Republic (1914-1933), and the destruction of co-operative values during the Nazi regime (1933-1945). The authors then discuss the re-emergence of co-operatives post-World War II until the reunification of Germany in 1990, and finally, the challenges confronted by housing co-operatives in the contemporary landscape. Through a detailed examination of selected events, the authors argue that housing co-operatives have demonstrated remarkable resilience, managing to meet the housing needs of their members despite facing numerous crises. This resilience is attributed to their foundational principles and a commitment to self-help. As Germany currently grapples with a housing crisis, the relevance of these co-operatives is underscored, suggesting that their model can provide valuable lessons for other countries aiming to establish similar frameworks that prioritize core cooperative values. The article serves as both a historical account and a critical examination of the significance of housing co-operatives in addressing modern housing challenges, making a compelling case for their continued support and development.
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.