What is the primary purpose of a cooperative's democratic control feature?

The primary purpose of a cooperative's democratic control feature is to promote equal representation among members. This characteristic is foundational to the nature of cooperatives, which are formed by individuals who come together to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs. Each member typically has an equal vote, regardless of their level of investment in the cooperative, which fosters a sense of community and collaboration.

By prioritizing equal representation, cooperatives ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process, aligning with their values of democracy and participation. This structure helps to empower members and uphold the principle that the cooperative operates for the benefit of all its members rather than a select few.

The other options do not accurately reflect the essence of democratic control in cooperatives. Profit maximization is often not the primary goal of cooperatives, as they focus on member needs over profit. Reducing operational costs and streamlining management hierarchies are operational efficiencies that may arise but are not the central purpose of the cooperative's democratic nature.