Cluster 1
Co-operative Consumer Identities in Urban Communities

This cluster focused on co-operative organizations that operate within urban settings. The research explored the relationships between co-operative membership and social cohesion with special attention paid to issues of locality and consumer behaviour. This cluster also examined co-operative organizations as employers, and the nature of employment satisfaction in co-operative enterprises. Partner organizations participating in this cluster of research included consumer and financial co-operatives in centres such as Calgary, Saskatoon. Vancouver, and Halifax.

Research methods included data gathering through surveys, interviews, focus groups and case studies. Public communications and member-relations documents were also analysed. Field research in this cluster began in summer 2003.

Research Team

Cris de Clercy, Cluster Co-ordinator, University of Saskatchewan
Morris Altman, Cluster Co-ordinator, University of Saskatchewan
Leslie Brown, Mount St. Vincent University
George Melnyk, University of Calgary
Michael Gertler, University of Saskatchewan
Murray Fulton, University of Sasktchewan

Partner Organizations

Co-op Atlantic
Calgary Co-operative Association
Federated Co-operative Ltd.
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Saskatoon Credit Union

Sites: Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax

Cluster Diagram (pdf)

For more information about Cluster 1 research please contact Cluster 1 Co-ordinators.