The tragedy of the commons: Twenty-two years later

Reference Type Journal Article
Year of Publication
1990
Author
Author: David Feeny
Journal
Human Ecology
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pagination
1-19
Date Published
03/1990
Language
English
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Abstract
Hardin's Tragedy of the Commons model predicts the eventual overexploitation or degradation of all resources used in common. Given this unambiguous prediction, a surprising number of cases exist in which users have been able to restrict access to the resource and establish rules among themselves for its sustainable use. To assess the evidence, we first define common-property resources and present a taxonomy of property-rights regimes in which such resources may be held. Evidence accumulated over the last twenty-two years indicates that private, state, andcommunal property are all potentially viable resource management options. A more complete theory than Hardin's should incorporate institutional arrangements and cultural factors to provide for better analysis and prediction. (author)
URL
DOI
ISSN
0300-7839; 1572-9915
Short Title
The Tragedy of the Commons