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Social-Ecological Systems Meta-Analysis Database: Variables

Variable TypeOrdinal
Variable Component TypeActor
Variable KindComponent
ThemeHeterogeneity (learn about themes)
ProjectsSESMAD
QuestionHow much do the interests of the members of this group diverge from each other?
Select Options1 Low, 2 Medium, 3 High
Unit
Role
ImportanceInterest heterogeneity has been associated with uncooperative behavior and distrust among resource users (Poteete and Ostrom 2004). That said, empirical evidence shows that the relationship between heterogeneity and collective CPR management is complex and depends on the criteria used to measure heterogeneity as well as on other mediating variables (Poteete and Ostrom 2004, Velded 2000, Varughese and Ostrom 2001).
Definition

"This variable captures the extent to which differences in interests in this group create identifiable subgroups each with its own preferred use and management strategy for the commons. What would benefit one subgroup would be less benefical or costly to others. The existence of heterogeneity of interests can be based on political, economic and cultural sources. The existence of political, economic and cultural heterogeneities within a group, however, does not necessarily entail the existence of heterogeneity of interests with regard to resource use. High: Actors have substantially different interests with respect to the use and management of the commons. It benefits different actor groups to use it in different (and conflicting) ways. Low: Actors have very similar interests with respect to the use and management of the commons. There are few conflicts produced by the different uses and management strategies of the different actors."

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