# What is the relationship between cooperatives and the commons? They are both related to self-ownership and self-governance. [[Cooperatives]] are more structure, [[commons]] is more culture? Coops need a culture of commoning. [[Coops can turn in to bad actors if there is no culture of commoning]]. Coops can be stewards of the commons. > You might wonder why cooperatives are often cited as examples of the commons when in fact many of them seem to produce for and sustain themselves entirely from the market. > > – [[Free, Fair and Alive]] > The reason is that many cooperatives have not found cultural means to Keep Commons & Commerce Distinct. > > – [[Free, Fair and Alive]] ## Resources - [[Nathan Schneider - Cooperatives, the Commons and Ownership]]