Ostrom - Polycentric Systems Flashcards
How is the polycentricity idea an update on the conventional theory of collective action?
actions taken to reduce a joint risk do not have to be the result of externally enforced rules
How are individuals characterized?
they do not possess perfect information, but are capable of learning as they interact; boundedly rational
How are polycentric systems characterized?
multiple governing authorities, many centers of decision making; each unit exercises independently to make norms and rules within a specific domain
What are the advantages of polycentric systems?
- Mechanisms of mutual monitoring, learning and adaptation; trustworthiness;
- Levels of cooperations of participants with effective, equitable and sustainable outcomes
→ encourages experimentation, development of methods
What is the causality behind local-level efforts?
- Local discussions and meetings generate information about unrecognized costs of individuals, families and business activities
- Actors adopt a sense of ethical responsibility for their own carbon footprint
- Individuals recognize that they can achieve benefits by taking costly actions and combining them with others to reduce the threat faced by all
What can be problems of polycentricity?
- Leakage
- inconsistent policies
- inadequate certification
- Gaming the system
- free riding
What is the idea behind polycentricity?
problems involving multiple levels (e.g. global, national, regional), should involve contributions of each of these levels
–>impacts of climate change differently affect localities and regions, waiting for an external authority to take action is the wrong move
How do global problems emerge according to the policentricity idea?
they are cumulative result of actions taken by individuals, families, small groups, private firms, local, regional and national governments
