Theories of property

Theories of property explain why individuals or societies claim ownership of objects, land, or resources. Key theories include: 1. **Natural Rights**: Suggests property is a fundamental human right derived from individual labor and creativity. 2. **Utilitarianism**: Argues that property should be distributed to promote overall happiness and usefulness to society. 3. **Social Contract**: Proposes that property rights are established through social agreements for mutual benefit and stability. 4. **Marxist Theory**: Views property, especially in capitalism, as a source of inequality and exploitation, advocating for common ownership. Each theory influences laws and social norms surrounding property ownership.