Hierarchy in Non-Hierarchical Spaces

Despite official commitment to low-hierarchical structures, member participation in cooperatives is often relatively low. This study analyses the interplay of normative aspirations, formal structures and actual power relations, drawing on existing literature, as well as qualitative interviews, organisational documents and participant observation with the German consumer cooperative Köllektiv eG. It shows that informal hierarchies, such as economic, social and cultural capital, group-based inequalities and knowledge-power relations still persist and can lead to unofficial stratification among members. Commitment to low-hierarchical structures can, however, be supported by a focus on the active inclusion of members and a shared value system.