NAME: Alyanna Marie L.

Palencia

1. Compare the main arguments of ECOSYSTEM-BASED MODEL and ACTOR-BASED MODEL. Do not
just copy verbatim what are written in the book. Paraphrase the ideas of the two models. Which
do you consider to have better explanation about human-environment interaction? Why?

Ecosystem–Based Model is the relation between the environment and the human
population. While, Actor-Based Model is when people makes decisions on how to interact with
their environment, which is a way for understanding how change occurs in social systems in
response to environmental concerns. Ecosystem Based Model has more dynamic relationship
between the population and the environment. It reflects the relationship between human
population and also animal population and other living population in the ecosystem.

2. Explain the significance of mass slaughter of pigs at one time by the Tsembagans to their natural
and social environment according to the ecosystem based model. Do you agree or disagree with
the interpretations of Anthropologists Vayda and Rappaport that it is adaptive rather than mal-
adaptive? Why?

Tsembaga tries to raise pigs not because that is the ideal strategy for adapting to the New
Guinea environment but because it is their way they can gain status within their Tsembagan
society. I agree that it is adaptive because it is the only way to gain acceptance from the society in
which one can benefit from- to develop skill and survival.

3. What argument of the ecosystem-based model is an improvement of the cultural ecology

model? And what is the argument of the actor-based model that is an improvement of the
ecosystem-based model?

Ecosystem-Based Model emphasizes the biological survival of populations rather than the
persistence of sociocultural system in which these population participate. While, Actor-Based
Model is when people makes decisions on how to interact with their environment, which is a way
for understanding how change occurs in social systems in response to environmental concerns.

4. What makes the poor and rich farmers equally rational in relation to modern farming
technology despite that the poor farmers rejected it? What is the major consideration of poor
farmers for rejecting a promising rice farming technology?
They are both equally rational because they both considered such modern technology in its
capability to provide innovative benefits and costs. Poor farmer rejected it because for them it will
require more energy, water, and fertilizers, which these resources are limited or unavailable to
find and can be sensitive to the environment which will cost them double.

5. What is the story behind the “tragedy of the commons”? In what way, the actor-based model
has appropriately able to explain the reasons behind the tragedy? Do you agree and why?

Tragedy of the common describe what happens when many individuals all share a limited resource,
which result to pit short-term self-interest against the common good, It provides opportunity for an
individual to benefit himself, while spreading out negative effects across the larger population in
order to survive. I agree with this because Tragedy of the common plays out in the more complex
systems of real life as well.