ABSTRACT
The idea of workers’ co-operation was not new in the early nineteenth century, nor that of community settlements. In the post-French Revolutionary period there was much debate of a political nature on the expanding capitalist system, the value of labour, the nature of profit, social justice and related matters. This kind of discussion was greatly stimulated by the writings of Robert Owen, and in particular by his Report to the County of Lanark of a plan for relieving public distress and removing discontent, published in Glasgow in 1821. As for the participation of working people in the running of the exchanges, it seems that in spite of Owen’s desire to help the working classes, he never intended to use their talents in the administration of the exchanges. Owen was undoubtedly much admired by working people, and had his supporters among the other classes.
