From utopia to reality: portrait of cooperativism in Brazil – a study between the years of 2010 and 2018

Abstract

This article aims to present a portrait of cooperativism in Brazil, from the years of 2010 to 2018. Starting from a historical perspective, we describe the different branches of cooperativism and then analyze the context of the Brazilian cooperative movement, taking into account some of the main characteristics that make it possible to draw a profile of the movement, such as: number of cooperatives, number of cooperative members and total jobs generated. The data were segmented by line of business, according to the classification proposed by the Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB). As for the methodological procedures, the study was defined as bibliographic-descriptive and qualitative; bibliographic-descriptive, since it was based on the organization and analysis of existing materials, describing the properties of the cooperative phenomenon; and qualitative, since the aim was to interpret meanings, not seeking regularities, but the understanding of the object studied. Finally, from the interpretation of the information gathered, it was possible to perceive the importance of cooperativism in the Brazilian context, not only in terms of facing specific issues, but also in relation to its potential for expansion and as a viable alternative for the social and economic inclusion of the most vulnerable strata, capable of expanding the democratic frontiers to the organizational field.