Regulating common-pool resources: the problem of social capital in Poland
Regulating common-pool resources: the problem of social capital in Poland

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper is to present the impact of social capital in Poland on the regulation of common-pool resources (CPRs). The conceptual framework created by Elinor and Vincent Ostrom was used. However, not only «traditional» CPRs, such as pastures, water intakes, and irrigation devices, but also the new ones, i.e. property in common use managed by residential communities, are the subject of our analysis. Polish regulations of both kinds of CPRs are of formalistic character. In case of «traditional» CPRs this situation is partly caused by specific legal culture influenced by formalistic foreign regulations (dating back to the 19th century) and by bureaucratic administration during the period of central planning. After 1989 similar methods has been applied to regulate new CPRs. In our view, the deficiency of social capital is the reason why such a mode of regulation, thought contrary to the principles described by Elinor Ostrom, is seen by some as not only acceptable, buteven desirable. We emphasize, therefore, the role of adequate social capital in the management of CPRs.

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