Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-7-2025
Abstract
This paper explores the possibility that informal property right systems evolve unique features as a function of the characteristics of the resources over which they are established. We develop an experimental environment that allows us to test this hypothesis by comparing the emergence of property in (virtual) land when resource yields are either high- or low-variance and renewable or non-renewable. Previous research suggests that high-variance resources may lead to relatively insecure claims to property. Intuition suggests that this may be amplified when those resources are renewable. The experiments confirm that informal property rights adapt to resource characteristics in a manner largely consistent with these predictions.
Recommended Citation
Kimbrough, E. O. (2025). Ecological influences on informal property rights: Experimental evidence. Water Economics and Policy, 11(1), 2440006. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2382624X2440006X
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
World Scientific Publishing
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Water Economics and Policy, volume 11, issue 1, in 2025 following peer review. This article may not exactly replicate the final published version. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1142/S2382624X2440006X.