Ekonomie squattingu

This bachelor thesis is focused on squatting phenomenon from an economic point of view. The main attention is given primarily to the institutional structure of squats and how they are defined. Theoretical part of the study investigates formation and structure of squatting in Western Europe and Czech Republic (cultural and political demarcation, causes and motivations to stand behind). The next phase summarizes and brings closer the economic approach on which - three main hypotheses are defined. Questions are, if it is possible to say, if squats are somehow similar in terms of organizational structure to the institutional theory of the firm, how institutions and property rights are defined. Empirical part is mainly based on repeated personal observation in one of the Prague squats and on structured interviews with ex-squatters. Conclusions are limited by the nature of the data set, since it cannot be statistically tested. Nevertheless the conclusion is unambiguous. Squat communities are established through implicit contractual relationships. Internal institutions and rules are generally formed via habits. Squatters also clearly distinguish between community and private property, despite the fact that such attitude is something they criticize. Squatters in Czech Republic perceive it as a capitalistic exploitation.