Short Commentary on The Name Change; or What Happened to the 'P'? authored by Charlotte Hess and Ruth Meinzen-Dick

Abstract

"Does the name change from The International Association for the Study of the Common Property to The International Association for the Study of the Commons mean anything? In the first place, the name of the Association is an expression of Association's aspirations and its development agenda. The name is a source of identity, which also shapes members' behaviour. When is a name change necessary? A name change may be necessary if there is a change in the ownership of an entity, or change in the products or services the entity produces. Some learning institutions have changed their names from a college to a university as an indication of improvement in the quality of education being offered... often in anticipation that a name change would influence enrollment of students."