Maharashtra Board Class 11 Cooperation Chapter 1 Co operation Meaning History Features and Importance PDF Download

Co-operation – (Meaning, History, Features and Importance)

1.1 Introduction

Co-operation is an important part of human culture since ancient times. If we think from the period of hunting stage till modern era it is found that thinking and working together is a human's natural phenomenon. This inspired him to live happy life. Due to this there was revolutionary change in his economic and social life. Co-operation is a progressive stage of human life. This results in intense desire for economic and social development and to remove injustice of human beings. The history of human life is the history of co-operation. Therefore, co-operation has gained special importance in the modern economy.

Co-operation means helping one another, to live and work together in family and social life. There is a keen relation between co-operation and social life. In addition of staying together co-operation also includes collective efforts to help each other. Working together for every one's interest has a special significance in co-operation.

In this topic, we will study the concept of co-operation.

Teacher's Note

Co-operation is when people work together to help each other. For example, in India, many farmers join together in a group to buy seeds and fertilizers at cheaper prices from the market.

Exam Trick

Remember: Co = together, Operation = work. So co-operation = working together. Just like a school sports team works together to win, co-operative societies also work together.

Points to Remember

Co-operation means working together for a common goal.
People help each other to fulfill their needs.
Co-operation is important in family and social life.
The history of humans is the history of working together.
Co-operation creates social harmony and development.

1.2 Meaning and Definition of Co-operation

1.2.1 Meaning

The word co-operation is derived from the Latin word Co-operari. Co means together and operari means to work. Therefore, co-operation means to work together. Co-operation is working together for a common purpose. If we want to work together, we need to help each other. The people cannot fulfill their needs personally or individually so these needs are fulfilled with the help of each other. Co-operation is the society formed by the people of the economically weaker section to fulfill their various needs with the help of each other.

1.2.2 Definition

The various great thinkers have defined Co-operation as follows:

1. Mr. H. Calvert defines Co-operation as "A Form of organization in which persons voluntarily associates together as human beings on basis of equality for the promotion of economic interest of themselves".

2. Mr. Vaikuntalal Mehta (the veteran co-operator of India) has defined Co-operation as "The voluntary association of peoples having common needs and formed to fulfill their common economic need is known as co-operative society".

3. The Indian Co-operative societies Act (1912) defines Co-operation as "A society which has its object to promote the economic interest of its members in accordance with co-operative principles".

4. Co-operative planning committee (1946) defines Co-operation as "Co-operation is a form of organization in which persons voluntarily associates together on a basis of equality for the promotion of their economic interest".

5. Prof. Paul Lambert defines "A Co-operative society is a business organization formed and directed by an association of persons, applying itself the rule of democracy and directly intended to serve both to the members and the community as a whole".

Activity:

1. Give some examples of co-operation used in your day-to-day life.

2. Discuss - "The importance of team spirit in personality development".

Teacher's Note

Co-operation means people joining together with equality. For example, women in an Indian village come together to start a savings group where each woman saves money together.

Exam Trick

Remember: "Voluntary" = no force. Just like you choose your friends, co-operative members choose to join freely. Nobody can force you to join.

Points to Remember

Co-operation word comes from Latin language.
Co means together and operari means to work.
Many great thinkers have given different definitions of co-operation.
Co-operation is based on equality and common needs.
Co-operative societies help weaker people in the economy.

1.3 History of Co-operation

In this chapter, we are going to study the history of Co-operative movement in World, in India and in Maharashtra.

1.3.1 World Co-operative Movement

The origin of the co-operative movement was in England of the Europe continent. In the year 1760, industrial revolution took place in Europe. The influence of industrial revolution led to increase in capitalism. As a result, the company's workers and labourers were exploited by profit-making capitalists. The workers were paid very less salaries. Apart from this, the working hours of the workers were also increased due to this poverty among the workers increased. Consumers were cheated by selling fake goods, less weight and adulterated goods at higher prices, due to the financial exploitation they become more poor. The profit margin of the capitalists increased day-by-day and they became more and more rich. So, there was a wide gap between the rich and the poor which leads to economic inequality. Hence efforts were started to find solutions on it.

Increase in capitalism and earning of huge profits gave rise to co-operation. Sir Robert Owen established worker's co-operative Societies. Sir Robert Owen laid the foundations of co-operation by using co-operative principles. Hence, Sir Robert Owen is considered as Father of the Modern Co-operative Movement. 28 Weavers of Rochdale pioneers came together in England and established Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society Ltd in 1844. They started the Consumer co-operative Stores which laid the foundation of Co-operative Movement.

In this period, Credit co-operative movement was started in Germany. Co-operative movement was started in Canada, China and Russia through Co-operative farming societies. Co-operative movement started in Denmark with the establishment of milk co-operatives in the country. In Sweden, consumer co-operative society was started. During this period, co-operative movement were started gradually in other countries of the world.

In 1895 an International Co-operative Alliance was established in London. This organization represents co-operation at global level. This organization has big contribution in development of co-operative movement.

Teacher's Note

The co-operative movement started in England because workers were suffering. For example, in India today, workers in factories come together to demand fair wages and better conditions.

Exam Trick

Remember: 1844 = Rochdale Pioneers in England. This is the first modern co-operative society. Just remember "1844 = first modern co-op".

Points to Remember

Co-operative movement started in England in 1760 during industrial revolution.
Workers and poor people were exploited by capitalists.
Sir Robert Owen is the father of modern co-operative movement.
In 1844, 28 weavers formed the Rochdale Pioneers Society.
The International Co-operative Alliance was started in 1895 in London.

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