KADUNA POLYTECHNIC

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS AND
MANAGEMENT

COURSE TITLE:
INDUSTRIAL WORKER COOPERATIVE

COURSE CODE:

QUESTION:
WRITE ON THE FOLLOWING THREE PEOPLE AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION
TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF COOPERATIVE IN FRENCH.
1. CHARLES FOURIER 1772 – 1837
2. PHILIPPE BUCHEZ 1796 - 1882
3. LOUIS BLANC 1811 - 1882

BY
RUMAISA ISHAQ
CBMS/HND/22/0049

SUBMITTED TO:
MR. SUNNY OGBO

JANUARY, 2024
Introduction

The size and diversity of its cooperative sector make France an important country for

cooperatives. The recent 2018 edition of the Panorama of cooperative enterprises’4 confirms

their economic performance and even their position as leaders in many markets. The

economic model is very strong, and cooperatives have grown for 10 years. With a combined

revenue of EUR 320 billion (+3% compared to 2014), cooperatives are almost three times the

size of the automotive sector, twice as large as Airbus and Boeing combined, and generate an

amount equivalent to the GDP of a country such as Denmark or Ireland! Cooperatives are

present in all sectors, and some are leaders within their respective markets. They account for

30% of retail trade, 40% of the agro-food sector and almost 70% of retail banking activity.
THREE PEOPLE AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT
OF COOPERATIVE IN FRENCH.
1. CHARLES FOURIER 1772 – 1837
2. PHILIPPE BUCHEZ 1796 - 1882
3. LOUIS BLANC 1811 - 1882

1. Charles Fourier (1772-1837): Charles Fourier was a French philosopher and social

theorist who significantly contributed to the development of cooperative ideas in the early

19th century. Fourier is best known for his concept of "phalanstères," which were

planned cooperative communities designed to address social inequality and create a more

harmonious society. He envisioned these communities as self-sufficient and collectively

managed, where individuals would work together for mutual benefit.

Fourier's ideas laid the foundation for cooperative movements by emphasizing the importance of

cooperation and solidarity in economic and social structures. Although his specific proposals for

phalanstères were not widely implemented, his influence extended to later cooperative thinkers

and movements, inspiring discussions about alternative forms of organization and the role of

cooperation in achieving a more equitable society.

2. Philippe Buchez (1796-1882): Philippe Buchez was a French socialist and sociologist

who made significant contributions to the cooperative movement during the 19th century.

He was a proponent of associationism and cooperative principles as a means to address

social issues and promote economic justice. Buchez believed in the transformative power

of cooperation to alleviate poverty and empower the working class.

Buchez played a role in promoting worker cooperatives and encouraging the formation of mutual

aid societies. His advocacy for the cooperative model was part of a broader social reform agenda

that aimed to improve the conditions of the working class. Buchez's ideas influenced the

cooperative movement in France, contributing to the growing awareness of cooperative

principles as a viable solution to societal challenges.

3. Louis Blanc (1811-1882): Louis Blanc, a French politician and social thinker, played a

key role in the development of cooperative ideas during the 19th century. Blanc was an

advocate for workers' rights and social equality, and he proposed the establishment of

"ateliers sociaux" or social workshops. These workshops were envisioned as cooperative

enterprises where workers would collectively own and manage production.

Blanc's ideas were influential in shaping the cooperative movement, particularly in France.

While his specific proposals for social workshops faced challenges in implementation, his

emphasis on worker cooperation and economic democracy contributed to the intellectual

groundwork for later cooperative developments. Blanc's legacy lies in his efforts to integrate

cooperative principles into discussions about social reform and economic justice during a pivotal

period in French history.