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Acequias as Commons

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  • Christopher Gunn

Abstract

Acequias are a form of commons used to share scarce surface water for agricultural purposes. They have existed in the arid southwestern United States for centuries. In this paper I will argue that acequias are pre-capitalist organizations that convey important lessons for a post-capitalist world. The paper will also discuss La Vega, a grazing commons supported by the Hispanic culture. Both forms of the commons help to sustain low-income households many of whose members do not have regular or full-time wage-labor jobs, and they provide examples of sustainable agriculture in a fragile, high altitude environment. Within the study of political economy, they are an example of political struggles in the arena of material production and reproduction.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Gunn, 2016. "Acequias as Commons," Review of Radical Political Economics, Union for Radical Political Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 81-92, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:reorpe:v:48:y:2016:i:1:p:81-92
    DOI: 10.1177/0486613415586987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hodgson, Geoffrey M., 2013. "Editorial introduction to the Elinor Ostrom memorial issue," Journal of Institutional Economics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(04), pages 381-385, December.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • B50 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - General
    • N31 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • Q25 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Water
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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