LE3 .A278 2000

2000

Sacouman, Jim

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

This thesis explores the Atlantic Canadian consumer co-operative grocery stores in relation to the experience of consumer, worker, and manager members. This thesis employs an exploratory case study and semi-structured interview research design in order to collect, analyse, and present the perceptions of interview participants. The model of reasoning used in thesis study is primarily deductive beginning with a review of cooperative and Marxist political economic literature. However, inductive reasoning adds colour to this thesis by utilising what the interview participants think is important about the Atlantic Canadian consumer co-operative grocery stores. Three general research questions are used to guide the investigation of the Atlantic Canadian consumer cooperative grocery stores. First, how is the relationship between worker and consumer owners of the co-operative store similar to the relationship between employees and shareholders found in a capitalist store as depicted in the Marxist literature? Second, is the memberships' control over management less effective and less democratic than shareholder control over management in the strictly capitalist form of business as depicted in the Marxist literature? Third, how is the relationship between worker and manager owners in the co-operative store similar to the relationship between workers and management found in a capitalist store as depicted in the Marxist literature? This thesis concludes by defining a Marxist political economy approach to the Atlantic Canadian consumer co-operative grocery stores. Recommendation for further study of the Atlantic Canadian consumer co-operative grocery stores are outlined in the conclusion.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2805