F. von Benda-Beckmann

Social insecurity, natural resources and legal complexity

Abstract Given the multiple and often conflictive functions property and social security relations have for different categories of people and agencies, this chapter argues that a comparative perspective of social security should consider this in relation to property, economic growth, and sustainability. In rural areas, notions of neediness and social security are intimately related to rights to natural resources. Who is considered needy depends on the socioeconomic conditions as much as the plural legal structure of a society, including inheritance and family law. Social security is about potentialities and expectations for the future, based on experiences in the past and present. Security of tenure is an important factor in the overall sense of security. However, constellations of legal pluralism and erratic land policies of governments have proven to be important sources of insecurity.