ABSTRACT
So far we have defined the concept of stock in relation to material objects. What we now consider in this (and the following) chapter are immaterial stocks. It will soon become clear that the mathematical-scientific approach taken in Chapter 4 to define a stock cannot be applied straightforwardly to objects such as values, norms, technologies, consumption behaviours, decision-making structures, organisations or laws. What these objects have in common is that, by their very nature, they are non-material and therefore do not exist independently of human actions and thoughts. Due to their durability and enduringness, however, they are obviously also persistent. They are also highly relevant to sustainability policy as they influence – whether directly or indirectly – human behaviour and actions.
