A FUNÇÃO SOCIAL DO COOPERATIVISMO E A APLICAÇÃO DO CÓDIGO DE DEFESA DO CONSUMIDOR

Abstract

This study aims to examine the social function performed by credit cooperatives in Brazil, institutions regulated by Law No. 5,764 of 1971 and Articles 1,093 to 1,096 of the Brazilian Civil Code, which define the national policy and legal regime of these entities. In addition, the research seeks to examine the application of the Consumer Protection Code (CDC) in the context of interactions between cooperatives and their members, emphasizing the legal specificities and challenges of applying the CDC, considering that, although they offer financial services, these entities have unique characteristics, such as the non-profit purpose and the associative nature of the operations. This is a bibliographical study, based on consultation of scientific articles and public sources available on the internet. In addition, judicial decisions on the relationship between cooperatives and cooperative members are analyzed, highlighting that, in specific cases, the protection of the CDC can be applied to ensure the rights of members, especially in situations of vulnerability. The results of the research show the contribution of credit cooperatives to the Brazilian economy, as a viable model for sustainable economic development, highlighting their social importance and the need for regulation that balances consumer protection with the preservation of the cooperative essence of these institutions.