Elinor Ostrom

Definition

Elinor Ostrom was an American political economist known for her work on the management of common-pool resources and governance. She challenged the traditional notion that common resources are best managed through privatization or government control by demonstrating that local communities can effectively self-organize to manage these resources sustainably. Her research emphasized the importance of social norms, collective action, and the design of institutions that support cooperative behavior among users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elinor Ostrom was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009, becoming the first woman to receive this honor in her field.
2. Her most famous work, 'Governing the Commons', presents case studies demonstrating how local communities successfully manage common-pool resources without centralized control.
3. Ostrom identified eight design principles for successful management of common-pool resources, such as clearly defined boundaries and effective monitoring.
4. She argued that polycentric governance systems, which involve multiple governing bodies at different scales, can enhance resource management and resilience.
5. Ostrom's work has influenced various fields, including environmental science, political science, and economics, particularly in discussions about sustainability and resource management.

Review Questions

• How did Elinor Ostrom challenge traditional views on resource management?
  • Elinor Ostrom challenged traditional views by demonstrating that local communities could effectively self-organize to manage common-pool resources without resorting to privatization or top-down government control. Through her research, she showed that these communities often develop their own rules and institutions that suit their specific contexts, enabling them to avoid the tragedy of the commons. This perspective shifted the focus from a purely economic viewpoint to one that includes social norms and collective action as critical components in resource management.
• What are some key design principles identified by Ostrom for managing common-pool resources effectively?
  • Ostrom identified several key design principles essential for the effective management of common-pool resources. These include clearly defined boundaries for the resource, collective-choice arrangements that allow users to participate in decision-making, effective monitoring to ensure compliance with rules, and graduated sanctions for rule violators. By adhering to these principles, communities can foster cooperation and sustainable management practices that lead to better outcomes for shared resources.
• Evaluate the impact of Elinor Ostrom's work on contemporary discussions about sustainability and resource governance.
  • Elinor Ostrom's work significantly impacts contemporary discussions about sustainability and resource governance by providing evidence that localized approaches can be effective in managing shared resources. Her emphasis on polycentric governance encourages collaboration among multiple stakeholders at various levels, enhancing adaptability and resilience against environmental challenges. Additionally, her findings challenge policymakers to consider community-driven solutions alongside top-down approaches, thus broadening the conversation around sustainable practices and improving overall resource management strategies.

Related terms

Common-Pool Resources: Resources such as fisheries, forests, and water systems that are shared by multiple users and are susceptible to overuse or depletion.

Collective Action: Action taken by a group of individuals to achieve a common goal, often in the context of managing shared resources.

Institutional Economics: A field of economics that focuses on the role of institutions in shaping economic behavior and outcomes.