Genootschap

A genootschap (German - genossenschaft) is a specifically Dutch form of company, association, society or cooperative, named after the pursuit for which its members gather. Many of the genootschappen were created in the second half of the 18th century. They allowed like-minded people to meet, socialize, listen to presentations and discuss each other's work. Genootschappen were established in the various sciences, in Dutch language and literature, and in other fields.[1][2]

Definition

Each member voluntarily joins his or her fate with that of his or her fellow members and that of the genootschap's ups and downs. Such a society also usually has a number of other characteristics:

  • Size and composition: The number of members of a society is limited. A society can be sizeable, but it is never a mass association. Thus its intentions are decided only by its character.
  • Objective: The target of a genootschap is always carried forward by its members with a certain degree of seriousness, as well as a great social aim. From this also results its solemn character and interest in decorum.

Kinds

Examples

References

  1. ^ "genootschap". Algemeen letterkundig lexicon (in Dutch). digitale bibliotheek vor der Nederlandse letteren. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
  2. ^ Kloek, J.J. (1983). "Literaire genootschappen 1748-1800" [Literary societies 1748-1800]. Documentatieblad werkgroep Achttiende eeuw (in Dutch). pp. 21–89. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
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