The principles of the organization and operation of social cooperatives for rural development in the light of the legal regulations in Poland

The purpose of this article is, first of all, to evaluate legal regulations concerning the establishment and development of social cooperatives in rural areas. The first part of the paper focuses on the issues relating to a social economy. Since cooperatives do not operate for their own profit but for the benefit of their members, they contribute to carrying out the tasks of a social economy. Next, the article analyzes the Act of 27 April 2006 on social cooperatives, drawing attention to the problems connected with obtaining the status of the unemployed by an owner of farming lands, their spouse or a household member [Ustawa... 2006 b]. Additionally, the paper discusses the sources of financial aid addressed to the entities in question. In conclusions, the Author recommends that the regulations governing the operation of social cooperatives should be changed.