Knowledge evolution and trends in cooperatives and cohousing: A bibliometric overview

Abstract

Recent interest in alternative living and economic models has led scholars to turn their attention to cooperatives and cohousing communities. Cohousing communities are neighborhoods that are created and managed by residents, offering shared spaces and communal living to foster a sense of community and well-being. This study is based on comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on cooperatives and cohousing. The study describes the development of this research area, highlights key themes, explores interconnections, and creates knowledge on how this field has evolved. The analysis consists of examining bibliographic coupling, co-citations, and keyword co-occurrence in documents published in the Web of Science (WoS) from 1996 to 2024. The study identifies prominent themes, influential authors, and emerging trends. The findings contribute to the research on sustainable development and community-driven initiatives, offering insights into how cooperatives and cohousing can provide viable solutions to contemporary societal issues. The results reveal five main categories of future research on cohousing cooperatives: (i) Management and collaboration, (ii) Knowledge and dynamic capabilities, (iii) Innovation and technology, (iv) Trust and leadership, and (v) Strategies, organization, and sustainability. Within these categories, 17 future research directions can provide insight to support policies and practices that enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of cohousing cooperatives. This analysis advances the current understanding of how collective action and shared living arrangements can contribute to more resilient and equitable communities.