A bustling neighbourhood garden, a shared library of tools, or even open-source software online—these are all examples of the commons. But what exactly are the commons, and why are they so important? The commons are more than just shared resources; they are living systems where communities come together to meet their needs while nurturing relationships with one another and the environment.
In this subtopic, you'll find out what makes the commons such a vital part of our world. You'll explore how they operate, how they relate to households, markets and the state, and the diverse perspectives people have about them. We’ll also look at how commons are thoughtfully designed and why care is at the heart of making them work. By understanding the commons, you’ll discover a powerful alternative for strengthening social and ecological systems.
At the end of Subtopic 4.1 What are the commons? you should be able to:
describe the commons provisioning institution in terms of parts, the parts’ relationships and overall functions of the commons
describe the relationships between the commons and other provisioning institutions (household, markets, state)
describe the shift in perspectives that people in market-based economies need to make to understand and effectively engage in commoning
explain Elinor Ostrom’s eight design patterns designing commons
explain the role of care in commoning
describe the practices that can enhance care in commoning, and the wider economy