Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi

Neri Luiz Cenzi; Miguel Angelo Perondi; Francieli Clara Peloso

doi:doi:10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi

Neri Luiz Cenzi^*

, Miguel Angelo Perondi

, Francieli Clara Peloso

Published in Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 10 September 2025 Accepted: 29 December 2025 Published: 9 January 2026

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Abstract

This article aims to understand, from Karl Polanyi's perspective, how cooperativism can contribute to building sustainable solutions to population aging, with an emphasis on rural contexts. The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by a proportional increase of older adults in the total population due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, presents significant and complex challenges, particularly in rural areas where structural weaknesses and the scarcity of effective public policies are more pronounced. In this context, the study argues that cooperativism emerges as a viable and robust alternative for social inclusion, care, and autonomy for older adults. The theoretical framework is anchored in Polanyi's critique of the commodification of social life, particularly his concept of the “disembeddedness” of the economy from the social fabric. The analysis connects Polanyi's principles of reciprocity, redistribution, and domesticity with the core values and principles of cooperativism, highlighting the capacity of this model of economic organization to promote the “re-embedding” of the economy into social norms and values. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographical, and documentary approach, utilizing data from key national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), to characterize the demographic shift and identify the practical role of cooperatives. The analysis presents concrete examples of the actions of different branches of cooperativism in addressing aging in rural areas, accentuating their contribution to the appreciation of traditional knowledge, income generation, and the strengthening of community networks. The findings indicate that cooperativism represents not only an economic response to the challenges of aging but also an integrated and supportive regional development strategy. It is capable of transforming aging into an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of territories, strengthening the dignity and empowerment of older adults by promoting a more socially and environmentally sustainable economic model.

Published in	Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
Page(s)	1-9
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Cooperativism, Population Aging, Reinstatement, Regional Development, Social Protection

References

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[2]	Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Continuous National Household Sample Survey. IBGE, 2023. Available at: https://censo2010.ibge.gov.br Accessed on: 19 Jul. 2025.
[3]	Camarano, A. A.; Pasinato, M. T. O envelhecimento populacional na agenda das politicas publicas [Population aging on the public policy agenda]. In: Camarano, A. A. (ed.). Os novos idosos brasileiros: muito alem dos 60. Rio de Janeiro: IPEA, 2004, p. 253–292.
[4]	Frantz, W. Associativismo, cooperativismo e economia solidaria. Ijuí: Editora Unijui, 2012.
[5]	Yin, R. K. Qualitative Research from Start to Finish. Porto Alegre: Penso, 2016.
[6]	Gil, A. C. Methods and Techniques of Social Research. 6th ed. Sao Paulo: Atlas, 2008.
[7]	Carvalho, J. A. M.; Garcia, R. A. O envelhecimento da populacao brasileira: um enfoque demografico. Caderno de Saude Publica, Rio de Janeiro, 2003, p. 725–733.
[8]	Wong, L. L. R.; Carvalho, J. A. M. O rapido processo de envelhecimento populacional do Brasil: serios desafios para as politicas publicas. Revista Brasileira de Estudos de Populacao, v. 23, n. 1, p. 5–26, 2006.
[9]	United Nations. World Population Prospects 2024: Summary of Results. 2024. Available at: https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/content/publications Accessed on: 20 Jul. 2025.
[10]	United Nations. International Plan of Action on Ageing. Brasilia: Secretaria Especial dos Direitos Humanos, 2003.
[11]	Torres, A. P.; Contini, E.; Aragao, A. A. Mudanças demograficas e efeitos no agro. Available at: https://www.embrapa.br/documents/10180/80318395 Accessed on: 25 Jul. 2025.
[12]	Brazil. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Populacao rural envelhece e jovens sao minoria no campo. 2022. Available at: https://www.gov.br/agricultura/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/populacao-rural-envelhece-e-jovens-sao-minoria-no-campo Accessed on: 20 Jul. 2025.
[13]	Polanyi, K. The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time. 2nd ed. Rio de Janeiro: Campus, 2000.
[14]	International Cooperative Alliance. Cooperative Identity, Values and Principles. Manchester, 1995. Available at: https://ica-coop.translate.goog/en/cooperatives/cooperative-identity Accessed on: 20 Jul. 2025.
[15]	Singer, P. Introduction to Solidarity Economy. Sao Paulo: Fundacao Perseu Abramo, 2002.
[16]	Gaiger, L. I. Solidarity Economy in Motion: Faces and Challenges of a New Social Movement. In: Gaiger, L. I. (Org.). Meanings and Practices of Solidarity Economy in Brazil. Porto Alegre: UFRGS, 2004.
[17]	Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB). Cooperativism Yearbook 2023. Available at: HYPERLINK " https://anuario.coop.br/brasil/cooperados/" https://anuario.coop.br/brasil/cooperados/ Accessed on: 19 Jul. 2025.
[18]	Mota Campos, M. E. S.; Aguiar, C. C.; Ribeiro, A. Q.; Martins, S.; Gomide, T. R. S. P. Challenges and Potentialities for Local Management in the Implementation of Public Policies for Aging. GIGAPP Estudios Working Papers, v. 7, n. 163, 2020. Available at: https://www.gigapp.org/ewp/index.php/GIGAPP-EWP/article/view/195/210 Accessed on: 26 Jul. 2025.
[19]	World Health Organization (WHO). Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030. Geneva, 2020. Available at: https://iris.paho.org/handle/10665.2/52902 Accessed on: 20 Jul. 2025.
[20]	Veiga, C. E. L. Union Management Model and the PPA Preparation Guide for Municipalities. Brasília: Ministry of Planning, Budget and Strategic Investments, 2005.
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[22]	Sachs, J. D. The Age of Sustainable Development. New York: Columbia University Press, 2015.
[23]	Deponti, C. M. Theoretical Possibilities for the Study of Intervention for Rural Development. In: Congress of the Brazilian Society of Rural Economics, Administration and Sociology (SOBER). Porto Alegre, 2009.

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APA Style

Cenzi, N. L., Perondi, M. A., Peloso, F. C. (2026). Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanities and Social Sciences, 14(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Cenzi, N. L.; Perondi, M. A.; Peloso, F. C. Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Cenzi NL, Perondi MA, Peloso FC. Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanit Soc Sci. 2026;14(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11,
  author = {Neri Luiz Cenzi and Miguel Angelo Perondi and Francieli Clara Peloso},
  title = {Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20261401.11},
  abstract = {This article aims to understand, from Karl Polanyi's perspective, how cooperativism can contribute to building sustainable solutions to population aging, with an emphasis on rural contexts. The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by a proportional increase of older adults in the total population due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, presents significant and complex challenges, particularly in rural areas where structural weaknesses and the scarcity of effective public policies are more pronounced. In this context, the study argues that cooperativism emerges as a viable and robust alternative for social inclusion, care, and autonomy for older adults. The theoretical framework is anchored in Polanyi's critique of the commodification of social life, particularly his concept of the “disembeddedness” of the economy from the social fabric. The analysis connects Polanyi's principles of reciprocity, redistribution, and domesticity with the core values and principles of cooperativism, highlighting the capacity of this model of economic organization to promote the “re-embedding” of the economy into social norms and values. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographical, and documentary approach, utilizing data from key national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), to characterize the demographic shift and identify the practical role of cooperatives. The analysis presents concrete examples of the actions of different branches of cooperativism in addressing aging in rural areas, accentuating their contribution to the appreciation of traditional knowledge, income generation, and the strengthening of community networks. The findings indicate that cooperativism represents not only an economic response to the challenges of aging but also an integrated and supportive regional development strategy. It is capable of transforming aging into an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of territories, strengthening the dignity and empowerment of older adults by promoting a more socially and environmentally sustainable economic model.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi
AU  - Neri Luiz Cenzi
AU  - Miguel Angelo Perondi
AU  - Francieli Clara Peloso
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PY  - 2026
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DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF  - Humanities and Social Sciences
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
AB  - This article aims to understand, from Karl Polanyi's perspective, how cooperativism can contribute to building sustainable solutions to population aging, with an emphasis on rural contexts. The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by a proportional increase of older adults in the total population due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, presents significant and complex challenges, particularly in rural areas where structural weaknesses and the scarcity of effective public policies are more pronounced. In this context, the study argues that cooperativism emerges as a viable and robust alternative for social inclusion, care, and autonomy for older adults. The theoretical framework is anchored in Polanyi's critique of the commodification of social life, particularly his concept of the “disembeddedness” of the economy from the social fabric. The analysis connects Polanyi's principles of reciprocity, redistribution, and domesticity with the core values and principles of cooperativism, highlighting the capacity of this model of economic organization to promote the “re-embedding” of the economy into social norms and values. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographical, and documentary approach, utilizing data from key national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), to characterize the demographic shift and identify the practical role of cooperatives. The analysis presents concrete examples of the actions of different branches of cooperativism in addressing aging in rural areas, accentuating their contribution to the appreciation of traditional knowledge, income generation, and the strengthening of community networks. The findings indicate that cooperativism represents not only an economic response to the challenges of aging but also an integrated and supportive regional development strategy. It is capable of transforming aging into an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of territories, strengthening the dignity and empowerment of older adults by promoting a more socially and environmentally sustainable economic model.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Neri Luiz Cenzi

Regional Development, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pato Branco, Brazil

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-1576-1208
Miguel Angelo Perondi

Department of Economics, University of California, Riverside, United States

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4382-4571
Francieli Clara Peloso

Pato Branco Campus, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Pato Branco, Brazil

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9647-001X

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APA Style

Cenzi, N. L., Perondi, M. A., Peloso, F. C. (2026). Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanities and Social Sciences, 14(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Cenzi, N. L.; Perondi, M. A.; Peloso, F. C. Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2026, 14(1), 1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Cenzi NL, Perondi MA, Peloso FC. Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi. Humanit Soc Sci. 2026;14(1):1-9. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11,
  author = {Neri Luiz Cenzi and Miguel Angelo Perondi and Francieli Clara Peloso},
  title = {Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-9},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20261401.11},
  abstract = {This article aims to understand, from Karl Polanyi's perspective, how cooperativism can contribute to building sustainable solutions to population aging, with an emphasis on rural contexts. The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by a proportional increase of older adults in the total population due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, presents significant and complex challenges, particularly in rural areas where structural weaknesses and the scarcity of effective public policies are more pronounced. In this context, the study argues that cooperativism emerges as a viable and robust alternative for social inclusion, care, and autonomy for older adults. The theoretical framework is anchored in Polanyi's critique of the commodification of social life, particularly his concept of the “disembeddedness” of the economy from the social fabric. The analysis connects Polanyi's principles of reciprocity, redistribution, and domesticity with the core values and principles of cooperativism, highlighting the capacity of this model of economic organization to promote the “re-embedding” of the economy into social norms and values. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographical, and documentary approach, utilizing data from key national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), to characterize the demographic shift and identify the practical role of cooperatives. The analysis presents concrete examples of the actions of different branches of cooperativism in addressing aging in rural areas, accentuating their contribution to the appreciation of traditional knowledge, income generation, and the strengthening of community networks. The findings indicate that cooperativism represents not only an economic response to the challenges of aging but also an integrated and supportive regional development strategy. It is capable of transforming aging into an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of territories, strengthening the dignity and empowerment of older adults by promoting a more socially and environmentally sustainable economic model.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Cooperativism and Population Aging: A Substantive Approach Based on Karl Polanyi
AU  - Neri Luiz Cenzi
AU  - Miguel Angelo Perondi
AU  - Francieli Clara Peloso
Y1  - 2026/01/09
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JO  - Humanities and Social Sciences
SP  - 1
EP  - 9
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8184
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20261401.11
AB  - This article aims to understand, from Karl Polanyi's perspective, how cooperativism can contribute to building sustainable solutions to population aging, with an emphasis on rural contexts. The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by a proportional increase of older adults in the total population due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, presents significant and complex challenges, particularly in rural areas where structural weaknesses and the scarcity of effective public policies are more pronounced. In this context, the study argues that cooperativism emerges as a viable and robust alternative for social inclusion, care, and autonomy for older adults. The theoretical framework is anchored in Polanyi's critique of the commodification of social life, particularly his concept of the “disembeddedness” of the economy from the social fabric. The analysis connects Polanyi's principles of reciprocity, redistribution, and domesticity with the core values and principles of cooperativism, highlighting the capacity of this model of economic organization to promote the “re-embedding” of the economy into social norms and values. The study adopts a qualitative, bibliographical, and documentary approach, utilizing data from key national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), to characterize the demographic shift and identify the practical role of cooperatives. The analysis presents concrete examples of the actions of different branches of cooperativism in addressing aging in rural areas, accentuating their contribution to the appreciation of traditional knowledge, income generation, and the strengthening of community networks. The findings indicate that cooperativism represents not only an economic response to the challenges of aging but also an integrated and supportive regional development strategy. It is capable of transforming aging into an opportunity for the collective reconstruction of territories, strengthening the dignity and empowerment of older adults by promoting a more socially and environmentally sustainable economic model.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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