How far do you agree that the work of Robert Owen at New Lanark was the most important reason for the growth of co-operation in the Years 1815-65?? Flashcards
Agree- Owen was the most important factor
-Owen pioneered ideas of communalism that incentivised instead of punished workers. Silent monitor used to motivate workers, workers given 1.5 hour lunch breaks, no employment for children under 10, reduced working day 10 12 hours.
explanation- social responsibility prevalent among future co-ops who wanted to maintain the welfare of their workers
- From 1800, co operative shop supported new lanark workers by selling products very slightly above costs, creating small profits that were reinvested into the community for education for the children. This progressive attitude could be developed in future co ops where the focus on education could be even higher. Owen also continued to pay his workers when the mill closed for 4 months in 1806 (US cotton ban)
- In 1816 Owen had drawn widespread interest and was even visited by Tsar of Russia. In 1834 he announced profits of £300,000 and was the first person to write a £1mn cheque for charity. His profitability in an institution that was focused on the welfare of its workers above all else was a model to be envied and encouraged the growth of co ops by providing a solid framework which could be built upon.
Disagree- other factors were important
-William King set up co-operative in Brighton and started newspaper ‘the co operator’ which ran between 1828-30, costing 1d. Had circulation of 12,000 and 500 societies by 1832
Whilst it didn’t run for long, it took the values of the co op and circulated them to a large extent, increasing the awareness of ideas as New Lanark was quite an isolated example despite its success.
-Rochdale pioneers in 1844, born out of ‘hunger politics; during economic decline of 1840s, applied New lanark style ideas to their professional business structure. Included charging market prices for products, electing managers among members, putting emphasis on good weights and measures to ensure honest reputation. Clearly they had taken core principles of fairness and concern of the welfare of workers from New Lanark and innovated co ops to a greater success. Publication of self help of the people in 1857 by Hollyoake led to 332 subsequent co ops
Line of argument/ judgement/ criteria
Robert Owen at New Lanark could be credited with the success and longetivy of co ops because of his successful core principles that were circulated by King in the ‘co operator’ however the Rochdale pioneers turned co ops into a widespread institution more prevalent in society
