Cultural heterogeneity and collective action
- Variable relationship:
Acheson (2006) argues that groups with strong cultural differences (Cultural Heterogeneity) operating in the context of a common-property regime may increase the costs of self-organization, as they may be unable to rely upon shared norms and cultural beliefs to resolve collective action problems (Collective Action) and manage resources (Commons Condition Trend). As a result, collective action will tend to be lower, resulting in lower levels of performance.
Lam (1998: 68), for example, found that some groups failed to self-organize in order to manage irrigation systems as a result of conflict based upon to ethnic differences.- Project
- SESMAD
- Sector(s)
- Scientific Field
- Component Type(s)
- Status
- Public
Variables
| Variable | Role | Role Explanation | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural heterogeneity | Proximate independent variable | Cultural heterogeneity may increase the costs of self-organization as groups lack shared norms and customs to rapidly reach agreements. | High |
| Collective action | Intermediate outcome | Culturally heterogeneous groups will face difficulties organizing to manage natural resources. | Low |
| Commons condition trend | Final outcome | As a result of a failure to act collectively the conditions of the commons worsens. | Worsened |
Related Theories
| Theory | Relationship | Characterizing Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) | nested | |
| Collective action and the commons | contains | |
| Social diversity and general resilience | contradictory |