Cooperativism: A Path Against the Tide of Economic Dynamics. The Case of Confiar

Julián Camilo Gambasica Esquivel
Federico Sánchez Riaño
Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia

Leonardo Montenegro Martínez
Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Colombia

Abstract: 

This article presents the historical emergence of cooperativism as a forceful response to face adversities and inequalities converging with capitalist economic dynamics. The cooperative model, under the umbrella of solidarity economy, is an invitation to see associativity as a practical option to develop a path of resistance that dignifies lives and contributes to communities based on solidarity, grounded on mutual support. With the Confiar case study, we share a successful cooperative experience, which, faithful to cooperative principles in their philosophy and identity, advances a cooperative exercise that strengthens their singular action, to serve their members and impact Colombian society with a differentiated value offer, namely, cooperative work for good living. Thus, it paves the way to a path against the tide of mainstream life guidelines, based in individualism and voracious consumerism. 

Keywords: cooperativism, Confiar, good living, associativity, cooperative principles, financial inclusion.