The Socio-Economics of Property

Abstract

It is suggested that in future work it will be useful to recognize that property exists on two levels: symbolic and real. The concept of scarcity is one important area for examination. Art-like property that can be enjoyed by many people at one time could have the potential to reduce conflict over property. Other questions for future research are noted. There are those who see property as an attribute of the mind. These scholars argue that the notion that one has control over a particular object is not inherent to the object but is derived from one's attitudes, validated by other people, and supported by one's culture. By looking at a piece of land, a truck or an oil well per se, we typically cannot discern whether the owner is a person, a community, a state; whether it is a poor or a rich person; a legal or illegitimate owner. Instead, a study of symbolic products such as bills of sale or notes in public registries, determine ownership. Those in turn reflect the social philosophy of the particular society. Some societies officially recognize little or no private property (early