Cooperation

Cooperation is one of the most basic, pervasive and continuous social

processes. It is the very basis of social existence. Cooperation generally means
working together for the pursuit of common goal. The term ‘Cooperation’ is
derived from the two Latin words – ‘Co’ meaning together and ‘Operari’ meaning
to work. Literally, cooperation means joint work or working together for common
rewards. If humans have same interests, they can live with each other. In this
way when people with same interests, collectively try to achieve their interests
or aims then that process is known as the process of cooperation
Definition
A.W. Green – “Cooperation is the continuous and common endeavor of two or
more persons work together to gain a common end”
Ogburn and Nimkoff – “when men work together for common goals, their
behavior is called cooperation”.
Fairchild – “Cooperation is the process by which the individuals or groups
combine their effort, in a more or less organized way for the attainment of
common objective”.
On the basis of given definitions, we can say that cooperation is a social
process in which men collectively try to achieve our common ends or goals.
There are two important elements of cooperation – common ends and organized
efforts. Thus, cooperation is mutual working, together for the attainment of a
common goal. It implies a regard for the wishes, needs and aspirations of other
people. It is often considered to be unselfish. But men may also find that their
selfish goals are best served by working together with their fellows. Cooperation
may be found in groups as small as the dyad (groups of two persons- husband
and wife) and as large as the modern countries. People may cooperate for self-
centred gain or for self-protection, or to do good to others.
Cooperation requires sympathy and identification. We cannot have
cooperation without the development of sympathy. Sympathy depends upon the
capacity of an individual to imagine himself in the place of another, particularly
when the other person is in difficulties. Cooperation is possible only when there
is like-mindedness, similarity of purpose, mutual awareness, mutual
understanding, mutual helpfulness and selfish attitude.
Types of Cooperation
1. Direct Cooperation- People do in work in company with other
members. Performance of a common task with joint efforts brings them social
satisfaction. In this type of cooperation, the individuals involved do the identical
function. For example, playing together, worshipping together, tilling the field
together etc.
2. Indirect Cooperation - In this case, people work individually for the
attainment of a common end. People involved in different tasks towards a
similar end. This is based on the principle of division of labor and specialization.
For example, spinners, weavers, dyers and tailors are different people engaged
in different activities. But their ends remain the same, that of producing clothes.
3. Primary Cooperation - Primary cooperation is found in primary
groups such as family, neighborhood, friends’ group and so on. Every member
works for the betterment of all. The rewards for which everyone works are
shared, or meant to be shared, with every other member in the group. Means
and goals become one, for cooperation itself is a highly prized value.
4. Secondary Cooperation - Secondary cooperation is the characteristic
feature of the modern civilized society and is found in secondary groups. It is
highly formalized and specialized. Most members of the group feel some loyalty
toward the group, but the welfare of the group is not their first consideration.
Each performs his task, and thus helps others to perform their tasks, each may
work in cooperation with others for his own wages, salaries, promotions, profits
and in some cases power and prestige. Such kind of cooperation may be
witnessed in political, economic, religious, commercial, educational and other
groups.
5. Tertiary Cooperation - Cooperation may be found between bigger
groups also. It may be found between two or more political parties, castes,
tribes, religious groups and so on. The two groups may cooperate and work
together for antagonistic goals. Two political parties may work together in
attempt to defeat a third party.
Role of Cooperation in Social Life
Cooperation as a form of social process is universal and continuous. It has
made our social life possible and livable. It surrounds us on all sides. It is both
psychological and a biological necessity and a social condition of man’s
continued existence. As MacIver and Page say, “man cannot associate without
cooperating, without working together in the pursuit of like or common
interests”. C.H. Cooley says that cooperation arises only when men realize that
they have a common interest. Men cooperate because they have sufficient time,
intelligence and self-control to seek this interest through united action.
Cooperation is so important in the life of an individual that according to
Prince Kropotkin it is difficult for man to survive without it, he calls it mutual aid.
In rearing of progeny and in the provision and protection and food cooperation is
inevitable. The continuation of human race requires the cooperation of male and
female for reproduction and upbringing of children. Cooperation has its origin in
the biological level. The principle of struggle for existence and survival is
essentially the principle of cooperation.
Cooperation helps society to progress. Progress can better be achieved
through united action. Progress in science and technology, agriculture and
industry, transport and communication, etc., would have been possible without
cooperation. In democratic countries, cooperation has become a necessary
condition of people’s collective life and activities.
Cooperation is an urgent need of the present-day world. It is needed not
only among the individuals, associations, groups, and communities but also
among the nations. It provides for many international problems and disputes.
Since interdependence is widespread in all walks of life, cooperation is all the
more needed. Society advances through cooperation and declines in its
absence.