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View Full Version : What is the difference between capitalist and socialist co-ops?


UltraWright
19th July 2011, 18:25
As the title says, what is the difference between capitalist and socialist co-ops?
Ocean Seal
19th July 2011, 18:27
As the title says, what is the difference between capitalist and socialist co-ops?
Co-ops can't really be socialist, in a socialist economy the economy is centralized to suits the people's needs whereas co-ops work for profit and through a market, something which socialism rejects.
Rêve Rouge
20th July 2011, 04:54
Co-ops can't really be socialist, in a socialist economy the economy is centralized to suits the people's needs whereas co-ops work for profit and through a market, something which socialism rejects.

But doesn't socialism (at least the libertarian strand) advocate "worker's self management" of the means of production? Worker's own and run their workplace in a co-op.
La Peur Rouge
20th July 2011, 05:34
But doesn't socialism (at least the libertarian strand) advocate "worker's self management" of the means of production? Worker's own and run their workplace in a co-op.

I think worker's self management is only half of the point though. Regardless of if an individual, or a group, owns the means of production under capitalism, it is still private property. Private property can't exist in a socialist society.
Rêve Rouge
20th July 2011, 05:39
Who owns the property then? Common ownership?
La Peur Rouge
20th July 2011, 05:50
Who owns the property then? Common ownership?

Yes. Communal ownership of the means of production. Although the plant/factory/farm/whatever is self-managed by the workers that run it, it's still everyone's.

That's not to say that worker's co-ops aren't a good thing though, self-management and equal wages are a million times better than the other choice, but they still can't exist in socialism.
Rêve Rouge
20th July 2011, 06:36
Ah alright. That clears some things up.
Fulanito de Tal
20th July 2011, 06:42
Who owns the property then? Common ownership?

No one owns property! Get that concept out of your head! :cursing:

The Earth has been for millions of years. What gives us 100K y/o people the right to say that a specific portion should only be controlled by one person??????
Manic Impressive
20th July 2011, 06:56
No one owns property! Get that concept out of your head! :cursing:

The Earth has been for millions of years. What gives us 100K y/o people the right to say that a specific portion should only be controlled by one person??????
No one owns private property but someone can own personal property like clothing and such. It's only the means of production aka private property where ownership needs to be abolished.