The Soviet Union’s New Co-operatives: Goals and Accomplishments

Abstract

The decision in favour of the new co-operatives was first mooted at the XXVII Congress of the CPSU in 1986, where the need was expressed for a general revision of the existing economic principles.¹ Towards this end, in November 1986 a Law on Individual Labour Activity was passed, and statutes covering four forms of co-operative activity followed in February 1987.² Finally, a Law on Co-operatives was passed in May 1988.³ This formative stage of co-operation was characterised by clashes between the command economy and the new co-operatives. Relations between the co-operators and the administration were also deeply affected and traditional economic and social values brought into question.