This essay discusses the question if money has a commercial or cultural meaning. The main purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of how money is embedded in society and what kind of role it could play. For a better understanding of this context the essay based mainly on case studies to visualize the main arguments. The paper first is intended to give a general overview of money and to show its role in capitalism and society. Furthermore, the personal and impersonal characteristics in an expanded social context will be briefly discussed. The second part shed light on three different case studies to illustrate the importance of money or money-like commodities in non-European cultures. Thirdly, a special currency in London and the Euro will be concerned. In conclusion, the final chapter draws upon the entire topic and summarizes the discussed points.
Since the invention of money and at the latest since the invention of capitalism, everything has revolved around money. As one of the oldest technologies we have, money shapes the society we are living in and is, of course, a key player in today’s economies. In other words: money can be seen “as the crucial agent of social and economic transformation” (Perry and Bloch, 1989). But how is money implemented in cultures? Is there really more than just an instrument for economic transactions? Or is money even the prerequisite for a cultural together?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- What is money?
- The commercial meaning of money
- The cultural meaning of money
- Case Studies of Money in Different Cultures
- Zulu Zionist Churches in South Africa
- The Tiv in Nigeria
- Seashell Money in the Solomon Islands
- Special Purpose Money in Industrialized Countries
- Brixton Pound in London
- The Euro in Europe
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the question of whether money has a commercial or cultural meaning. The study aims to understand how money is embedded within society and its role in shaping social and economic transformation. Through an analysis of case studies, the paper examines the personal and impersonal characteristics of money in both capitalist and non-European cultures. It also investigates the impact of money on existing economic systems and the emergence of special-purpose currencies.
- The role of money in shaping society and economic transformation
- The personal and impersonal characteristics of money in different social contexts
- The influence of money on existing economic systems and cultures
- The emergence and significance of special-purpose currencies
- The cultural and socio-structural factors that influence the meaning and use of money
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides a general overview of money, discussing its role in capitalism and society. It highlights the personal and impersonal characteristics of money in an expanded social context. The second chapter examines three case studies to illustrate the importance of money or money-like commodities in non-European cultures. These include the Zulu Zionist churches in South Africa, the Tiv in Nigeria, and seashell money in the Solomon Islands. The chapter explores how these communities utilize money for purposes beyond mere economic exchange, demonstrating its cultural significance. The third chapter focuses on special-purpose money in industrialized countries, specifically the Brixton Pound in London and the Euro in Europe. It examines the ways in which these currencies operate within specific social contexts, highlighting their unique characteristics and implications.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the concepts of money, commercial meaning, cultural meaning, economic systems, social transformation, special-purpose currencies, case studies, and cultural embedding. It explores the interrelationship between these concepts and their influence on society, specifically in the contexts of capitalism, non-European cultures, and industrialized countries.
- Quote paper
- Maximilian Scheller (Author), 2019, Does money have a commercial or cultural meaning?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1193431
