The Plunder of the Commons: How Enclosures and Privatization Destroyed Our Shared Spaces

The enclosure movement began in the 16th century, when the English government began to privatize common land. This land had traditionally been used by all members of the community for grazing, hunting, and other purposes. However, as the population of England grew, the demand for land increased. Wealthy landowners began to enclose common land, fencing it off and claiming it as their own.

The enclosure movement accelerated in the 18th and 19th centuries, as the Industrial Revolution transformed England's economy. New technologies made it possible to enclose large areas of land quickly and cheaply. As a result, millions of acres of common land were enclosed during this period.

The enclosure movement had a devastating impact on the commons. For centuries, the commons had been a vital part of English life. They provided food, fuel, and other resources for the poor. They also served as a place for recreation and community gatherings.

Plunder of the Commons: A Manifesto for Sharing Public Wealth (Pelican Books)

by Guy Standing

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2054 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The enclosure of the commons led to the loss of access to land for many people. The poor were particularly hard hit, as they relied on the commons for their survival. The loss of access to land led to widespread poverty and hunger.

The enclosure movement also had a negative impact on the environment. The privatization of land led to the destruction of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats. This had a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem, leading to the decline of wildlife populations and the degradation of water quality.

The enclosure movement is a cautionary tale about the dangers of privatization and the importance of protecting our shared spaces. We must learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that the commons are preserved for future generations.

Here are some lessons we can learn from the enclosure movement:

• Privatization can have devastating consequences. When land is privatized, it is no longer available for public use. This can lead to the loss of access to land for the poor, the destruction of the environment, and the decline of community life.
• The commons are a valuable resource. The commons provide food, fuel, and other resources for the poor. They also serve as a place for recreation and community gatherings. We must protect the commons from privatization and ensure that they are available for future generations.
• We must be vigilant in defending our shared spaces. The enclosure movement is a reminder that our shared spaces are always under threat. We must be vigilant in defending our parks, forests, and other public lands from privatization and development.

The enclosure movement was a dark chapter in English history. It led to the loss of access to land for many people, the destruction of the environment, and the decline of community life. We must learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that the commons are preserved for future generations.

Plunder of the Commons: A Manifesto for Sharing Public Wealth (Pelican Books)

by Guy Standing

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2054 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	412 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE