Education for cooperation and regional development: a study in organizations from Parana

Abstract

The cooperative movement presents itself in a very heterogeneous way, full of manifestations, some complementary and others antagonistic. This fact led to the objective of this study: to understand how different cooperative models understand and experience the fifth international principle of cooperativism – education, training and information – in cooperative organizations in Paraná. Three cooperative models operating in Paraná were analyzed, defined here as Concentric, Popular and Solidarity. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and documentary research. Data analysis was based on the content analysis method. Among the results, it is highlighted that the commitment to social causes and the development of new regions and subjects are seen more frequently in cooperatives with more solidary and popular characteristics. The larger cooperative prioritizes actions aimed at the technical level of manpower training, without greater commitment to the development of a culture of cooperation among its members.

Keywords: cooperation; education; regional development; socioeconomic alternative.