Competitiveness and Survival in Rural Cooperative Societies. An Ethnographic Analysis in Western México

Abstract

Social economy has been used as a development strategy in various communities; however, its level of competitiveness has not always met expectations. This study analyzed the differences in competitiveness levels of cooperative societies in rural areas, employing both economic and perceptual indicators. Through an ethnographic approach that included observation and interviews, a sample of four cooperative societies was examined: two engaged in fishing production and two in tourism activities along the northern coast of Jalisco. The results revealed a duality between survival and competitiveness, highlighting two categories with significant gaps that reflect the polarization of this relationship. Furthermore, it was identified that strengthening internal competitiveness contributed to the survival, permanence, and consolidation of cooperatives, aligning with findings from previous studies. Although, as with any ethnographic study, limitations to generalizing the results were acknowledged, triangulation in data collection provided a deeper understanding of the observed characteristics and improved the accuracy of interpretations. This study underscores the importance of member commitment within cooperative societies to enhance competitiveness and suggests that strengthening this dynamic could lead to higher levels of development and sustainability for these organizations in rural areas.