Governing the Commons

In 'Governing the Commons,' Elinor Ostrom challenges the notion that common property is doomed to over-exploitation. Through groundbreaking case studies from around the world, she reveals how communities can successfully manage shared resources. Ostrom introduces principles for sustainable governance that defy traditional economic theories. Her insights offer hope for the future of environmental stewardship and collective action. Dive into this thought-provoking exploration that reshapes our understanding of collaboration in the face of scarcity!

By Elinor Ostrom

Published: 2015

""Individuals in common pool resource systems can organize themselves to achieve sustainable outcomes without the need for overarching regulatory systems or privatization.""

Governing the CommonsBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Tackles one of the most enduring and contentious issues of positive political economy: common pool resource management.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Governing the Commons

About the Author

E

Elinor Ostrom

Elinor Ostrom (1933-2012) was a groundbreaking American political economist and the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009. She is best known for her research on the governance of common-pool resources and the principles of collective action. Ostrom's notable works include 'Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action' and 'Understanding Institutional Diversity'. Her writing style is analytical and insightful, often combining theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence to demonstrate how communities can manage shared resources effectively without the need for centralized control.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Elinor Ostrom
Published
September 2015
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
ISBN
1107569788
Language
English
Pages
297
Genres
Politics and Current AffairsEnvironmental PoliticsSocial Justice MovementsPhilosophyBusiness and EconomicsBehavioral Economics

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Optimistic ChildBook binding

The Optimistic Child

Martin Seligman

On the RoadBook binding

On the Road

Jack Kerouac

Nonviolent CommunicationBook binding

Nonviolent Communication

Marshall B. Rosenberg

Humanitarian InterventionBook binding

Humanitarian Intervention

Sean D. Murphy

The Moorland CottageBook binding

The Moorland Cottage

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

TroublemakersBook binding

Troublemakers

Leslie Berlin

Rocket MenBook binding

Rocket Men

Robert Kurson

Quantum QuestionsBook binding

Quantum Questions

Ken Wilber

Hit MakersBook binding

Hit Makers

Derek Thompson

YoutilityBook binding

Youtility

Jay Baer

How To Think More About SexBook binding

How To Think More About Sex

Alain De Botton

The Christian ProblemBook binding

The Christian Problem

Stuart E. Rosenberg

The Four-chambered HeartBook binding

The Four-chambered Heart

Anaïs Nin

Across the FenceBook binding

Across the Fence

John Stryker Meyer

Map and TerritoryBook binding

Map and Territory

Eliezer Yudkowsky

PassagesBook binding

Passages

Gail Sheehy

The Rapture of CanaanBook binding

The Rapture of Canaan

Sheri Reynolds

The Signal and the NoiseBook binding

The Signal and the Noise

Nate Silver

The Rites of PassageBook binding

The Rites of Passage

Arnold van Gennep

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?Book binding

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?

Alyssa Mastromonaco

The High Cost of Free ParkingBook binding

The High Cost of Free Parking

Donald C. Shoup

The VampireBook binding

The Vampire

Montague Summers

Dao de JingBook binding

Dao de Jing

Lao zi

The Return (Pulitzer Prize Winner)Book binding

The Return (Pulitzer Prize Winner)

Hisham Matar

HourglassBook binding

Hourglass

Dani Shapiro

My American JourneyBook binding

My American Journey

Colin L. Powell, Joseph E. Persico

KimBook binding

Kim

Rudyard Kipling

Zorba the GreekBook binding

Zorba the Greek

Nikos Kazantzakis

The Wind in the WillowsBook binding

The Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Grahame

OutlanderBook binding

Outlander

Diana Gabaldon

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

George Hatzis's Book Recommendations

George Hatzis's Book Recommendations

George Hatzis is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and social media content creator known for his humorous and insightful takes on the legal profession. Through his popular Instagram account, Hatzis shares legal memes, advice, and commentary, making complex legal topics accessible and entertaining for a broad audience. He is also the founder of Hatzis Law, a firm that specializes in criminal defense and family law. Hatzis’ ability to merge legal expertise with humor has garnered him a large following, and he continues to be a unique voice in the legal community, advocating for modernizing the industry.

View Collection
Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

View Collection
Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart's Book Recommendations

Jon Stewart is an American comedian, writer, and former host of The Daily Show, where he gained fame for his satirical take on news and politics. Stewart transformed The Daily Show into a critical voice in American media, blending humor with hard-hitting commentary on political and social issues. After stepping down from the show, Stewart has continued to advocate for causes like 9/11 first responders and veterans' rights. He is also a filmmaker, directing the political satire film Irresistible. Stewart remains a significant figure in American culture, known for his wit, activism, and influence on political discourse.

View Collection
Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg's Book Recommendations

Matt Mullenweg is an influential American entrepreneur and web developer, best known for co-founding WordPress, the open-source software that powers over 40% of the web. Born in 1984 in Houston, Texas, Mullenweg's work has revolutionized digital publishing and democratized web content creation. As the CEO of Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, he has expanded the platform's reach and capabilities, fostering a vibrant community of developers and users. Mullenweg is also an advocate for open-source software and has contributed significantly to its proliferation and adoption. His impact on digital literature and publishing is profound, enabling countless individuals and organizations to share their voices online.

View Collection
Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders's Book Recommendations

Bernie Sanders is an American politician and U.S. Senator from Vermont, known for his progressive policies and his advocacy for economic equality. Sanders ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, inspiring a movement with his calls for Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a $15 minimum wage. He identifies as a democratic socialist and has been a long-standing advocate for labor rights, environmental justice, and social welfare programs. Sanders’ candidacy energized a new generation of activists and has had a lasting influence on the direction of the Democratic Party. His focus on income inequality and social justice continues to shape political discourse in the U.S.

View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson's Book Recommendations

Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.

View Collection
Raoul Pal's Book Recommendations

Raoul Pal's Book Recommendations

Raoul Pal is a British economist, investment strategist, and co-founder of Real Vision, a financial media company that provides in-depth analysis of global markets and economies. Pal is known for his insights on macroeconomics, cryptocurrency, and investment trends, often sharing his expertise through interviews, reports, and documentaries. Before founding Real Vision, Pal worked at Goldman Sachs and managed a global macro hedge fund. He is a strong advocate for decentralized finance (DeFi) and frequently discusses the future of digital currencies and blockchain technology. His forward-thinking perspectives on finance have earned him a large following among investors and financial professionals.

View Collection
Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand's Book Recommendations

Stewart Brand is an influential American writer, best known for founding the Whole Earth Catalog, a publication that became a cornerstone of the counter-culture movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His pioneering work in promoting environmental sustainability and self-sufficiency has had a lasting impact on both literature and society. Brand is also a co-founder of The WELL, an early online community that predated the widespread use of the internet and helped shape the development of digital culture. He has authored several significant books, including "The Media Lab" and "Whole Earth Discipline," which explore technology's role in environmental and societal issues. Brand's contributions continue to influence contemporary discussions on ecology, technology, and community building.

View Collection
Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois's Book Recommendations

Keith Rabois is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his significant contributions to the tech industry and startup ecosystem. He played crucial roles in the early success of companies like PayPal, LinkedIn, Square, and Yelp, earning a reputation as a skilled operator and strategic thinker. As a partner at Founders Fund and later at Khosla Ventures, Rabois has invested in and advised numerous successful startups. In addition to his business ventures, he has written insightful articles and essays on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, contributing to the broader discourse on these subjects. Rabois continues to influence the tech world with his strategic insights and thought leadership.

View Collection

"Individuals in common pool resource systems can organize themselves to achieve sustainable outcomes without the need for overarching regulatory systems or privatization."

Governing the Commons

By Elinor Ostrom

Frequently Asked Questions