Introducing the principle
We begin this course by considering the differing views of nature held by hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists.
We compare the ‘giving spirit’ view of nature amongst hunter-gatherers, with the ‘controlling ancestor’ view of nature in agriculturalists.
Property rights, as ownership is also called, are fundamental to social-ecological systems. The perceptions of ownership underpin the basis of our economies. In turn, how we manage our economies determines what happens to the environment. The two cannot be separated.
This first principle looks at two ways of perceiving nature:
-
The ‘giving spirit’ as understood by hunter-gatherers. This is about sharing.
-
The ‘controlling ancestor’ as expressed by agriculturalists. This is rooted in ownership.
“Why should we plant, when there are so many mongongos in the world?”
Key learning points:
On completion of this activity you will be able to:
- recognise the difference between the perspectives of the ‘giving spirit of nature’ and ‘controlling ancestor’ in our perceptions of nature
- understand the meaning of ‘reciprocity’ as a way of reducing risk in uncertain environments.
Environmental Challenges: Hierarchy in Property Rights
Environmental Challenges: Hierarchy in Property Rights
Reach your personal and professional goals
Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.
Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.
