In the paper I elucidate the basic traits of cooperativism from the perspective of social sciences. Its historical roots, especially in the thought of Robert Owen and V.I.
Lenin are described, together with mainstream cooperative model presented by the U.N. and the European Union. Forasmuch as teaching on the role of cooperative entrepreneurship in contemporary capitalist economy is an integral part of Catholic Social Doctrine, particular emphasis is placed on the teaching of the Popes on cooperatives.