[Tutorial 2] Tragedy of the Commons

From Hardin’s reading Tragedy of the Commons describes resources held in common are vulnerable to massive degradation from humankind through over consumption. We need to bring about exclusion and regulation of use and users to prevent over exploitation of common resources/ welfare of others. However, in tutorials we learned that exploitation can also be affected by culture/tradition. Therefore, in addition to Hardin’s proposed solutions, we need to bring awareness of traditions and norms that also influences the impact of tragedy of the commons, to propose new balanced lifestyles that is able to sustain resources for future generations. For example, we discussed about the culture of having shark fin soup for Asian cultures. We learned that the act of partaking in shark fin soup is to celebrate a special occasion, to give respect to the host who served it, and a symbol status of wealth. What can we do to bring awareness without being disrespectful to a culture, but may have an impact on others? There are those who can silently refuse to partake, but their share would be transferred to another guest who will then consume it.  A more proactive way, that a student mentioned was that in weddings, the host can choose not to serve shark fin and indicate their stance on shark fin and bring awareness to family and friends. As well, by taking a stance, they are able to set new standards in their community of family and friends. Through the discussion, I began to believe a top-down approach is needed to re-adjust cultural values and traditions. The bottom-up approach of refraining from consuming a certain good would only mean that others would have the opportunity to take your share. On the other hand, a top-down approach such a regulations imposed on a community can impact more individuals, bringing greater awareness to the issue. People would work more collectively to readjust the issue.