Platform Cooperativism Resource Library

Summary

Platform corporations are global powerhouses that enable value-creating interactions between producers and consumers. Criticisms of the platform business model have focused on its lack of neutrality, exploitation, and accountability. Merton’s role-set theory explains why users may prefer platform cooperatives to resolve issues such as concentration of power, digital identities/personae, and user statuses. Platform cooperatives can make users members which resolve some issues but new disputes may arise; cooperative governance best practices can help address these (e.g., short term limits/role rotation).
Added January 31, 2023