Old and new challenges to cooperatism

Abstract

The article concerns the legitimacy of cooperatism in the perspective of civilization changes. The author points to the hitherto tasks posed to cooperatism in the economic, socio-cultural and political spheres. Emphasising their topicality, she also sees the need to include nature conservation activities in the activities of cooperatives.  The confrontation of the ideological assumptions underpinning cooperative activity with the contemporary challenges of poverty, democracy formation and environmental protection forms the basis for the conclusion on the current relevance of cooperatism.