Tragedy of the Commons
Loading...
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Palgrave Macmillan
Abstract
"The 'tragedy of the commons' arises when it is difficult and costly to exclude potential users from common-pool resources that yield finite flows of benefits, as a result of which those resources will be exhausted by rational, utility-maximizing individuals rather than conserved for the benefit of all. Pessimism about the possibility of users voluntarily cooperating to prevent overuse has led to widespread central control of common-pool resources. But such control has itself frequently resulted in resource overuse. In practice, especially where they can communicate, users often develop rules that limit resource use and conserve resources."
Description
Keywords
collective action, social dilemmas, tragedy of the commons, common pool resources, free riding, open access