Organization and remuneration of work in the commons: the paradoxes of the “contributory” model

Abstract

The commons are based on collective work, but the organization of this work and its remuneration is not theorized. This article examines these aspects through a study of the “contributive” model developed by commoners in Lille. The study is based on long-term observation, semi-structured interviews and the distribution of a questionnaire. Our study highlights the importance of community activities in the commons (Ballon & Veyer, 2020). However, in the implementation of the contributive model, these activities are undervalued. The contributive organization contravenes the commons. The article questions the conditions for an economy of the commons that can support the organization of cooperative work.