Relationality and the Commons: Theory and Practice

The relational view moves beyond the ontological notion of the autonomous ego, deciding on self-interested versus cooperative behavior, to that of connected beings --i.e., from cogito ergo sum to curae ergo sum (we care therefore we are). We present the relational theory of collective action and proceed to sum up some of the supporting evidence that has arisen over decades. And just as connectedness can foster collective action, we note how disconnectedness lies at the origins of environmental injustice. We then spend the rest of the talk on implications for managing the commons. Relationality provides us with new strategies for engendering collective behavior. These strategies are not meant to exclude other, more conventional institutional routes to sustainable governance of the commons but, rather, can be employed in concert with other mechanisms. We reflect on the significance of the relational perspective on these critical times and pose the question, "How do we motivate busy urbanites to care for melting glaciers half a world away?"