Agency and Participation as Mean Of Strengthening Territories

A Case Study Among the Young Members of two Credit Cooperative Banks

Abstract

In the 1940s, growing awareness of economic development's limitations sparked a broader, multidimensional approach to well-being — one incorporating cultural, social, and educational dimensions. This shift introduced new values such as solidarity, democratic participation, and individual freedom, alongside practical tools like microcredit and Credit Cooperative Banks (CCBs) designed to foster social integration and community well-being. Central to CCBs is the principle of territoriality: cooperative banks must collect and invest resources within their local territory, serving a geographically defined membership. This grounds their mission in strengthening community bonds and pursuing economically and socially sustainable development. To operationalize this principle, some Italian CCBs established groups of Young Members organized into Territorial praesidia, each representing a specific area the bank serves. Empirical research conducted in Italy between 2022 and 2023 explored how CCBs and these youth groups enact territorial principles in practice. Using qualitative methods — including interviews with key informants and observational participation — two case studies were examined: the CCB of Rome and the CCB of Ravennate. Findings confirm the territorial principle's centrality for both institutions and young members, highlighting how these youth groups serve as a transformative resource, bridging banks and local communities despite significant challenges.