Identity, Commons and Sustainability: An Economic Perspective

Abstract

Commons represent a wide, heterogeneous class of resources but its composition is the subject of growing tensions. The question "What is a commons?" has become even more complex while the answer still remains elusive. Current research focuses on two main attributes of commons-nonexclusivity and rivalry-centered on regulatory and operational aspects, conveying the notion of usability. Instead, this study argues that the definition of commons should be derived from their function. It is proposed that identity, in its individual and collective integrated dimensions, is the ultimate goal of commons. Despite the pivotal function that commons can perform, availability of resources is indeed just one of the conditions for human development. Moreover, commons can deploy their identity-oriented functions only if a sustainability transition is pursued. Based on these considerations, the study analyzes the concept of sustainability, and addresses the question "What is to be sustained?" While the capability approach offers a coherent conceptualization of the diversity of individuals-a crucial issue for sustainability-some limitations arise when it is adopted as evaluative space of well-being. This study argues that the assumed notion of identity delivers a broader concept of sustainability and delineates the ultimate goal of sustainability (sustainable identity).

Reviewing the Benefits of Aging Populations: Care Activities Provided by the Older People as a Commons

“…They are social practices of commoning, based on the principles of sharing, caring and producing jointly” ( 54 ). In other words, it is a decision to self-organize in order to manage and provide a good based on solidarity and reciprocity [( 61 , 62 ), p. 10].…”

Formal networks: the influence of social learning in meta-organisations from commons protection to commons governance

“…The unique attributes of commons have stirred great interest in the economics and management disciplines. Their openness and accessibility, the intense competition between concerned agents that surround them, and their fragility (Falk et al 2002;Setti and Garuti 2018) raise many issues worth exploring, especially stewardship (Ostrom 2009;Schweitzer et al 2009). The literature affirms that the tragedy Hardin speaks of can only be avoided by adopting social norms that promote aggregate solutions.…”

“…The term common goods (commons) in its Aristotelian sense means overall well-being for everyone (Garriga and Melé 2004;Hoipkemier 2016;Perkiss and Moerman 2017). In its application to economic goods, commons means natural resources, grasslands, forests, fisheries, and even intangible assets like knowledge and culture (Gibson-Graham et al 2013;Paudyal et al 2016;Setti and Garuti 2018). Commons are endemic to any socio-ecological system where biomes and wildlife co-exist with humans.…”