With Members and For Members? A Theoretical Analysis of Mutuality in Co-operatives, its Evolution and Re-Formulation through Italian Community Co-ops

Since the 19th century co-operatives have operated for their members’ prosperity by promoting economic activities in different fields. This paper seeks to analyse how community co-ops are modifying the traditional co-op structure in order to address new social issues. why do these co-ops also work for non-members? How does this modify mutuality? Which reasons can explain this phenomenon? Community co-operatives are renewing the co- operation model by surpassing the classic mutualistic structure to one which also pays attention to outcomes for the entire community.