Housing cooperatives, housing systems and the state. Historical lessons from Europe, Australia and Latin America

The document is a special issue of "Housing Studies," published by Informa UK Limited, focusing on the relationship between housing cooperatives and broader housing systems across various geographical contexts, including Europe, Australia, and Latin America. The article is authored by Jardar Sørvoll, Claire Carriou, and Richard Lang, who are experts in housing policy and cooperative movements.

This special issue presents historical lessons on housing cooperatives, defined as rented or owner-occupied housing managed by residents. The authors emphasize that these cooperatives have significantly influenced and been shaped by the dynamics of housing systems, which encompass the actors, norms, rules, and policies governing housing distribution and management in different regions.

The research covers a wide range of geographical contexts, including Nordic countries, Southern and Central Europe, Latin America, and Australia. It highlights that cooperative housing has evolved in response to various political and economic conditions. The historical case studies included in the issue shed light on the adaptability and resilience of housing cooperatives in addressing urban housing challenges.

The authors argue that cooperative housing emerged as a response to the housing crises during the industrial expansion of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They note that cooperative housing has drawn support from a diverse range of political perspectives, from liberal reformers to leftist movements. This wide appeal is attributed to the values of self-help, autonomy, and participatory democracy embodied in cooperative housing models.

Despite their historical significance, housing cooperatives often encounter challenges related to market pressures and commodification. The research indicates that the ability of cooperatives to scale and exert influence on housing systems is contingent on political support and grassroots mobilization. For instance, case studies from Uruguay reveal how a politically engaged working class has successfully promoted cooperative housing.

The issue includes comparative analyses of cooperative housing in various countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, and Latin America. Each case illustrates how local housing systems and state policies have shaped the development of cooperative models. For example, studies from Sweden and Denmark discuss how deregulation has led to increased commodification, while research from Hungary highlights the impact of state ideologies on cooperative development.

The concluding remarks of the issue emphasize the need for continued research into the relationship between housing systems and cooperatives. The authors recommend that future studies explore the influence of cooperative housing on other forms of tenure and housing providers. They also stress the importance of strong state support and grassroots mobilization in fostering successful cooperative housing initiatives.

In summary, this special issue provides valuable insights into the historical and contemporary dynamics of housing cooperatives across different contexts. It underscores the potential of cooperatives to address pressing housing challenges while highlighting the ongoing need for supportive policies and community engagement in sustainable housing solutions.