Do cooperatives escape patriarchy ? Analysis of gender in the governance of cooperatives

• In Event: Governance

Abstract

Keywords : cooperatives, gender, governance, system, patriarchy
Considering their pioneering attitude in favouring gender and social equality (such as giving voting rights to women), cooperatives are often regarded as having significant potential to tackle these issues (Battilana et al., 2022). While democracy and egalitarianism are typically assigned as core values of cooperatives, there is mounting criticism surrounding the place and the treatment of women within these organisations. Recently, some researchers have pointed out contradictions faced by cooperatives (Degavre & Saussey, 2017; Dessy, 2022; Guérin et al., 2019; Lestien et al., 2019). The under-representation of women in their decision-making bodies stands out. Moreover, the values upheld by cooperatives remain generally unquestioned in the face of gender inequality. Yet, some values typically deemed positive, like democracy, may not always be so depending on how they are translated in organizational practices. Indeed, although democracy is traditionally believed to be an effective tool for emancipation, some criticisms have been levied against its androcentric theoretical foundations (Pateman, 1989).
Against this backdrop, we question how women experience gender equality in the democratic governance of cooperatives. To identify tensions relating to gender and work within governance bodies of cooperatives, we conducted 30 interviews with women directors from various types of cooperatives (worker, consumer and producers cooperatives) and in various sectors of activity (masculine, feminine, more gender neutral sectors of activity) in Belgium. The data collected was considered in the light of feminist theories such as gender relations (Kergoat, 2010) and care (work) (Benelli & Modak, 2010).
Our findings highlight that despite their claimed intention to fight gender and social inequality, cooperatives participate in perpetuating the patriarchal system in society. More precisely, our results show apparent equality within the governance of cooperatives, despite little concrete action being taken concerning these issues. However, this leads to a low representation of women in these bodies, and their significant absence from the position of president. Democratic practices do not consider gender, leading to tensions between women's board commitments and their family/private life. These systemic tensions stem from patriarchal ontology, which cannot be fully remedied within cooperatives. Yet, this ontology significantly impacts the way in which democracy is conceptualised and practiced within cooperatives.
Our paper contributes in understanding the (patriarchal) system in which cooperatives operate and from which they should emancipate if they want to effectively tackle gender (and social) inequalities. All too often, cooperatives are regarded as independent organisations working outside the system. Instead, it is necessary to acknowledge their presence and involvement within the patriarchal system to design alternative organizational practices, including democratic practices, that are truly inclusive and egalitarian.

References

References
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Authors

• Zoé Marlier

• Frederic Dufays, University of Liege