From tragedy to solution: The theoretical and empirical relevance of commons in Brazil

Abstract

This article provides a recent update on common-pool resource studies in Brazil, presenting how the subject is evolving, both in theory and in practice. Firstly, a theoretical review is provided, in order to present the most recent academic proposals in this field. Next, the concept of traditional commons resources is overviewed, highlighting its characteristics and its main divisions. A survey of major Brazilian empirical research about commons is presented. Next, the concept of new commons resources is introduced, bringing forward how this can supply a theoretical solution for several contemporary Brazilian and international problems. It can be seen that not only has the amount of research in the area increased, but the concept of commons itself has expanded to encompass new coordination problems, given that individuals increasingly see contemporary problems as collective ones.