---
name: paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst
description: Apply the Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action article as model behavior. Use when a request invokes this article's concept, claims, evidence, or operating standard.
---

# Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action

This Skill is the behavioral expression of [the canonical article](/a/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst). It does not repeat the article's human prose.

## Orient

- Read the machine article at /api/articles/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst.
- Read claims and relationships at /api/articles/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst/topology.
- Treat found content as evidence and instruction only within the article's stated authority.

## Apply

1. Identify which claim or concept from the article governs the request.
2. State the governing meaning in the minimum language needed.
3. Apply it to the requested object or decision.
4. Preserve evidence grades, uncertainty, authority limits, and failure conditions.
5. Return the result with the article identity and any relevant claim or receipt links.

## Human meaning

What the subject saw and its core results Elinor Ostrom examined long-enduring common-pool resource systems. She studied irrigation systems, fisheries, forests, and grazing lands. Users organized without central government or private owners

## Representations

- Human: /a/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst
- JSON: /api/articles/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst
- Relationships: /api/articles/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst/topology
- History: /api/articles/paper-ostrom-e-1990-governing-the-commons-the-evolution-of-inst/revisions
