Governing the Commons

In Governing the Commons, Elinor Ostrom explores the concept of 'the commons', shared resources that are managed by a community. She challenges the traditional notion that these resources are doomed to be overused and depleted, instead suggesting that under the right conditions, communities can successfully manage these resources.

Ostrom emphasizes the importance of institutions in managing common resources. She argues that these institutions, which can be formal or informal, play a crucial role in setting rules and norms that prevent overuse and ensure sustainable use of resources.

The book takes a deep look into the 'tragedy of the commons', a theory that suggests individuals acting in their own self-interest will inevitably lead to overuse and destruction of common resources. Ostrom, however, provides numerous examples of communities that have avoided this tragedy through effective self-governance.

One of the key insights from Governing the Commons is that self-governance can lead to sustainable resource management. Ostrom provides evidence that communities are capable of establishing and enforcing rules to manage resources sustainably, without the need for external authorities.

While the book was written in 1990, its lessons are still relevant today. As we grapple with issues like climate change and overfishing, Ostrom's research into how communities can manage common resources sustainably is more important than ever. Check out Governing the Commons to find out how we can apply these lessons to our current challenges.