The Historical Evolution of Flemish Land Policy from an Institutionalist Perspective

This research entails a historic-institutional analysis of the Flemish land policy since 1800, in which the evolution of diverse forms of land use, management and ownership is framed in an institutional field of actors, institutions, practices and regulations. Through a thorough exploration of the interactions in this field, the research nuances the dichotomy of private and public property, expands concepts of ownership to use rights and highlights the position of common good in land policy and the broader socio-economic context. The research identifies some basic episodes in land policy, starting from authors such as Karl Polanyi and evaluates the role of land use, management and ownership in patterns of exclusion and inclusion in Flanders. The project includes theoretical, historical and action-research parts. The research includes collection and analysis of historical sources, conducting interviews, integration of knowledge from diverse societal sectors, and bringing actual stakeholders together to reflect on the analysed evolutions.