Work

Introduction: Moving Beyond the ′Rational Actor′ in Environmental Governance and Conservation

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: In this brief introduction, we examine the themes and issues that link the three papers in this special section. In each case, neoliberal conservation practices appear to be predicated on a certain kind of individual subject with certain kinds of motives and behaviours-the rational actor. Taken together, these three papers challenge three assumptions of rational actor models, including that individuals are self-interested and attempt to maximise their own benefits, that they only respond to economic incentives, and that economic markets are free, mutual, and rational. Together these articles promote greater attention to how individuals are conceptualised in conservation efforts, and suggest alternative ways to think through conservation projects.

Source: Conservation and Society

DOI: 10.4103/0972-4923.145128

Authors: NicoleD Peterson, Cindy Isenhour

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Maine

Language: English

Topic: Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $600

OpenAlex ID: W2003168978

FWCI: 1.357

Cites: 34

Cited by: 14

Related to: 10