ICA and CASC 2021 Call for Papers

Bridging Divides: Promoting Economic, Social, and Cultural Democracy

Coming together through open membership has been a hallmark of the co-operative movement since its inception. Co-operative enterprises have brought together diverse groups of individuals to meet their economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations. Diversity in the co-operative movement continues to be one of its key strengths—never more so than in the current COVID-19 context that has amplified inequities in our social, economic, legal, ecological, and other systems. The ability of co-operatives to “Bridge the Divide” between diverse social and cultural groups is what this special issue seeks to explore. Specifically, this special issue will discuss racialized and marginalized communities and their relationship with the co-operative movement.

As a response to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, communities have turned to the co-operative movement to overcome challenges and “reclaim community” in a collaborative manner. Co-operatives can be spaces where racialized people from various socio-economic backgrounds come together for a common purpose, bridging their divides and advancing racial cohesion and reconciliation.

Guest editors of the Special Issue are Fiona Duguid, Isobel Findlay, Judith Harris, Derya Tarhan, Mitch Diamantopoulos, Lisa Mychajluk, Roger Spear and Costas Iliopoulos.

We invite proposals on any of the following broad themes:

● Building a co-operative movement through inclusion: Local and global
● “Bridging the Divide” between the global North and South
● Co-operatives and Social Inclusion/Justice
● Reconciliation: Addressing colonialism and White supremacy
● Co-operatives and Marginalized Communities
● Co-operatives and Indigenous Communities
● Co-operatives in times of crises
● Co-operatives and media
● Sustainable Development Goals
● Quadruple bottom-line reporting 
● Opportunity in the post-growth era
● Co-operative governance and member engagement
● Co-operatives as sites of democratic education
● Collective entrepreneurship as democratic practice
● Co-operative development for community and economic development

We welcome papers from scholars, students, researchers, and practitioners submitted before November 1st, 2020. Papers should not exceed 8,000 words and should include a 200-word abstract and short bio (up to 100 words). Paper template and referencing should follow the APA style guide. All papers are subject to double blind peer review. Please submit your paper online using this link.