Say What You Mean

Abstract

"In our article 'A Theory of Access,' Nancy Peluso and I define and elaborate a term that is frequently used but rarely defined. We did not do this in order to seek a consensus on meaning. We did it to produce an analytic framework for empirically exploring instances of benefit appropriation and explaining those appropriations within a larger social and political-economic context. Further, we did it so that studies of benefit appropriation can be conducted in a comparative manner—so that those interested in empirical analysis of this particular question can talk to each other and can build a larger body of comparative knowledge. Conceptual clarity is about internal consistency and not necessarily about consensus. It enables us to know how our ideas are similar, how they differ, and why."