What was cooperative individualism?

Cooperative individualism was an economic philosophy that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the balance between individual initiative and collective cooperation. It emphasized the importance of individual entrepreneurship while promoting collaboration among workers and communities to achieve common goals. This approach aimed to enhance social welfare and economic efficiency through cooperative organizations, such as cooperatives and mutual aid societies, allowing individuals to participate in a collective system without sacrificing personal autonomy.