Island Game

The Scenario

Take a good look around, because these are the people with whom you have just been shipwrecked on a distant uncharted island.

As far as you know, you are the only survivors of global catastrophe and it is up to you to develop a new society. This society should meet your needs, as you define them, and it should avoid the mistakes of "the old ones", those who died in the recent tragedy.

Use the questions provided to guide your discussion of how you will set up this new society. Record your answers on a separate sheet of paper headed by the name you have given to the island.

This is a beautiful island. It is tropical (average temperature 80°F), it has many sources of food (fruit trees, fish, land for agriculture), and it has a steady wind from the West of about 15 m.p.h.. Remember, this is not a vacation, you have work to do . . so get to it !

Roles

Interrogator Ask questions one at a time. Keep group moving along and on schedule.

Recorder Record any group response to each question.

Group Make sure answers do not conflict with one another and that they are Conscience consistent with economic plan. Ask questions to help group develop more specific responses.

Map Specialist Keep others aware of geography and natural resources of island to help group develop a realistic economy.

HANDOUT 2-2

SETTING UP YOUR ISLAND SOCIETY

Economic Plan

What will be your economic and/or socioeconomic goals? Choose only most important ones, recognizing trade-offs.

Overall, what will be produced? How will it be produced? For whom will it be produced? Who will make those decisions (government, individuals or a mix)?

How will your island government be involved in the economy?

Directions: Use answers to "Economic Plan" to determine the following. Make sure your responses are consistent with your overall plan.

Land/Distribution/Location

Will the land be privately owned? If so, who gets it and how?

Should the land be owned by everyone together?

Should you divide it up and distribute it?

If so, should it be divided equally? What constitutes equal?

Where on the island should you live? (Draw this on map.)

Should you consider the needs of the environment? How?

Who has rights to the water? How will these be provided for?

Labor

What work must be done?

List the kinds of jobs required to sustain the lifestyle you desire.

Who should do these jobs?

What about the jobs that nobody likes?

Does each person just have one job or many?

Land

What natural resources will be used to produce goods?

Will there be rules governing use of natural resources? Why or why not? If yes, which?

Capital

What kind of capital (tools, machines, etc.) will be used to produce goods? How will this capital be attained?

Basic Needs

Are there some basic needs that you believe should be guaranteed for

all? If so, what are they? Or do you think that individuals should

secure their needs by themselves?

Create a name for your team that reflects the type of system you have developed.