Work

Self-governance, social order and institutional solutions to collective action in a tent city

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Applying insights from the theory of collective action in self-governance, this paper addresses how a city-sanctioned homeless camp has successfully self-governed for over two decades. Based on a club goods model and democratic practices, this tent city attains social order and provides numerous collective benefits to its residents, who initially bring very little capital to the camp. Our case study, which includes in-depth interviews with residents of a tent city at four time points between 2012-2025, as well as observations from their weekly organizational meeting, illustrates how the possibility of exclusion for rule violation, norms emphasizing voice and service, and democratic governance combine to make the community viable. In addition, the evidence shows, rather than merely enabling collective action, that collective identity, social capital and personal agency are emergent features of self-governance that enhance and reinforce its benefits for residents. Finally, we discuss the limitations of self-governance as a solution to homelessness.

Source: Rationality and Society

DOI: 10.1177/10434631261464114

Authors: Karen A. Snedker, Jennifer McKinney, Steven Pfaff

Institutions: Chapman University, Seattle Pacific University

Language: English

Topic: Homelessness and Social Issues

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650