Journal of Co-operative Studies Vol 36 No 2

Short articles

Fantasy or reality - the co-operative commonwealth in the 21st century: An introduction to the debate

Roger Jones, pp. 81-89

Roger Jones’ paper which is reproduced here was presented to a well attended Fringe Meeting of the Society for Co-operative Studies at Co-operative Congress in Manchester in May 2003 where it stimulated a particularly lively discussion.

How I came to join the ILO

Basil Loveridge, pp. 90-93

A personal reflection.

Peer reviewed papers

The changing identity of co-operative housing in Canada

Jorge Sousa and Jack Quarter, pp. 94-116

Recent legislative and policy changes to the non-market housing system in Canada were envisioned to improve low-income earners' access to affordable housing and to make the overall system more efficient. In Ontario the changes have started to blur the distinctive features of the different housing models. The identity of co-operative housing, widely regarded as the most inclusive housing model, is beginning to change. However, co-operative housing is also influencing the organisational practices and general philosophy of other forms of non-market housing. Based on our research findings and on an experimental project in tenant management, the changes will likely result in the formation of one social housing model in Canada.

The enemy within? A critical analysis of the Credit Unions Act 1979 and the common bond

Nicholas Ryder and Andrew H. Baker, pp. 117-140

The aim of this paper is to critically assess the impact of the common bond upon the development of credit unions. In particular the authors discuss its philosophy and briefly assess how the Credit Unions Act 1979 impacts upon the evolution of the common bond in the United Kingdom. The paper also considers the impact of the US Supreme Court ruling upon the interpretation of the common bond under section 109 Federal Credit Union Act 1934 and the Credit Union Membership Access Act 1998. The authors conclude that lessons could be learnt from other jurisdictions where the common bond has been given a flexible interpretation by regulatory bodies.