Subsistence as a Component of the Mixed Economic Base in a Modernizing Community

摘要

The harvesting of natural resources for personal use is a major issue in rural Alaska. Federal and state laws designate subsistence as a priority use in natural resources planning and management. However, those in various disciplines disagree on the proper definition of subsistence and how to differentiate it from recreation. In the paper, the mixed economic base of a modernizing rural community is examined with emphasis on the interrelationships between personal use of natural resources, especially fish and wildlife, and other sectors of the economy. Even if subsistence activities have evolved to a stage where they are more important in satisfying psychological and sociocultural needs rather than assuring material survival, they are an important component of the community's lifestyle and must be considered within the overall context of social well-being for effective resource allocation and other managerial decisions.