Why Some Community By-Laws Stick and Others Slip Part 2 — An Adaptive Cycle Explanation

Abstract

As explained in Part 1 of this In Brief series, our research comprises a multi-country comparative analysis of community rule-making in Melanesia. Across the region, people are actively participating in the shaping and reshaping of order in their communities, rather than being the passive subjects of state or customary forms of governance. We have found some examples of real success — where by-laws have helped transform once violent and unsafe neighbourhoods into more peaceful and vibrant places where residents can sleep at night and commercial activities occur without disruption. We also found examples where these local innovations can contribute to normative changes, such as around the acceptability of family violence or violence more broadly. On the other hand, there are many examples of by-laws reinforcing the patriarchal authority of older male leaders, suppressing other voices, such as those of women and youth. By-laws often start as promising initiatives but then slowly grind to a halt as momentum runs out or obstacles are encountered.