Social Economy and Living Standards: Consumer Cooperatives in Barcelona, 1891–1935

Abstract The living standards of the working classes during industrialization continue to be subject debate in European historiography. However, other factors closely related institutional setting, such as role played by social economy and institutions for collective action, are seldom considered. This study focuses on these factors, attempts quantify impact consumer cooperatives. We argue that substantially improved lot from mid-nineteenth century onwards, helping them increase their incomes, access food services, education which state did not provide sufficient measure. To demonstrate this point, we analyse thirty-five cooperatives Barcelona, an industrial centre organizations were more popular than anywhere else Spain. Our main conclusion is increased well-being members, meet substantial calorific needs, although diets unbalanced low-cost; members income between five ten per cent, simply shopping at institution, gained basic welfare services.