The Political Economy of the Human Right to Water

Abstract

This paper concerns the role played by mainstream economics in the unequal assertion of people’s right to clean water. First of all there is a conflict between satisfying wants and asserting rights. Second there is also a contradiction between aiming at maximizing social utility and ensuring rights. Finally, the market being considered the default regulation institution, the human right to water is hindered because markets are both inefficient in reaching universal coverage and unaccountable.