Can Relationality, Empathy, and Affective Care Re-Define Normative Models of Ownership, Partnership, and Family?
The traditional concept of ownership is rooted in the belief that one person has exclusive control over a particular object, idea, or person. This notion of ownership is based on the assumption that individuals are separate from others and have no obligation to share their resources with others.
Some scholars argue that this model of ownership is limited and outdated in today's interconnected world. They propose that new models of ownership should be built around relationality, empathy, and affective care. In such models, the focus shifts away from sole possession towards shared responsibility for creating, maintaining, and sustaining value within a relationship. The implications of this shift extend beyond property rights into other areas of life, including partnerships and families.
One example of how relationality can redefine normative models of ownership is through cooperatives. Co-ops are businesses owned and operated by members who work together to create value. Instead of focusing on individual profit maximization, co-ops prioritize collective benefit and social justice. By pooling resources and labor, members can achieve greater economic stability and support each other in times of need. This approach emphasizes reciprocity, collaboration, and community building.
Empathy is also essential to redefining normative models of ownership. When people understand the emotional impact their actions have on others, they may choose to act differently.
If a farmer sees his land as part of an ecosystem, he may use organic practices to protect it rather than exploiting it for short-term gain. Similarly, when people recognize that their choices affect those around them, they may choose more ethical options that preserve shared resources for future generations. Affective care involves recognizing and responding to the needs and desires of others, fostering deeper connections and stronger bonds.
The effects of these changes extend beyond individual relationships to broader societal issues like climate change and inequality. If people see themselves as interconnected with nature and society, they may be more likely to take action against environmental degradation or poverty. In addition, new forms of sharing economies are emerging based on trust, respect, and mutual benefit. These alternatives to traditional capitalist models challenge our assumptions about property rights while promoting sustainability and solidarity.
Relationality, empathy, and affective care can redefine normative models of ownership, partnership, and family. By prioritizing relationships over material possessions, individuals and communities can create more equitable and sustainable systems.
Can relationality, empathy, and affective care redefine normative models of ownership, partnership, and family?
Relationality can be defined as an interconnectedness between people and things that goes beyond simply owning them, and involves feelings such as empathy and care towards those objects. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, while affective care refers to how we feel about something or someone. These concepts have been used in recent years to challenge traditional notions of ownership, partnership, and family.