AKA “squatter’s rights”. Basically, some countries, namely English speaking countries, have laws that say if you openly tresspass and squat on some property for a certain amount of time without the owner stopping you, that property becomes yours. I’ve heard arguments back and fourth on whether it’s good or bad, but none from a socialist or communist perspective. So, what are your thoughts on it?
I think it’s a good idea, a good example in capitalist countries would be the Movimento Sem Terra (MST or Movement Without Land) of my country, Brazil. Though in Socialism, that should not be necessary, as the state would redistribute the land according to the needs of the population.
The okupa movement make sense in capitalists countries because you don’t have a right to housing, but in socialism this should be guaranteed (of course if you are just transitioning from capitalism to socialism you can do this overnight) so I don’t see the point of this.
Did you mean you can’t do it overnight? Kinda confused sorry.
Yes, sorry.
It’s not a straightforward process and there are safeguards for the original landowner in England.
I’d suggest it’s an individualised solution to a collective problem. And due to the paperwork involved, it’s likely only really open to reasonably privileged people. Or people who were privileged but have fallen on hard times.
Better to put the effort into community organising to cap rent and prevent evictions. Doing that might also move us towards socialism, too, by developing class consciousness.
Edit: I’m aware of done groups organising to acquire property in this way, so there is a collective approach to AP.
