A barter economy is a cashless economic system in which services and goods are traded at negotiated rates.
Barter-based economies are one of the earliest, predating monetary systems and even recorded history. People can successfully use barter in many almost any field. Informally, people often participate in barter and other reciprocal systems without really ever thinking about it as such -- for example, providing web design or tech support for a farmer or baker and receiving vegetables or baked goods in return. Strictly Internet-based exchanges are common as well, for example exchanging content creation for research.
Because barter is based on reciprocity, it requires a mutual coincidence of wants between traders. This requirement complicates barter, but in a sufficiently large system traders can be found to supply most wants. According to proponents, the mutuality fosters a sense of connectedness and community among traders.
In recent years, barter has enjoyed a resurgence as a means of countering economic insecurity, unemployment and worker exploitation. The nature of modern-day work, the pervasiveness of the Internet and the rise of social networking have all contributed to its spread. Other examples of alternative economic systems include gift economies, sharing economies and time banks.
These alternative systems are not mutually exclusive, and all can operate within a predominantly capitalist system. However, because these systems operate in terms of reciprocity rather than profit and growth, there are concerns [or hopes] that they could undermine the current economic system.
This was last updated in January 2014
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Capitalism
Capitalism refers to an economic system where private businesses can have ownership of capital goods. As per capitalism meaning, individuals can privately own means of production. In capitalism, the production of products is according to the situation in the market. There is no centralized planning in capitalism by governments. Nevertheless, in modern times, governments do exercise some level of control.
What is Capitalism?
In
capitalism, the various factors of production are under the ownership of private owners. By utilising these factors efficiently, these owners are able to extract their income. This generated wealth allows them the opportunity to successfully manage their organizations. Furthermore, in capitalism, business owners have an incentive to adopt the ideology of maximization of profit.
The owners of organizations in capitalism are the shareholders. The more shares they own in an organization, the greater is there share of ownership. A board of directors is chosen or selected by shareholders for the smooth and efficient running of the organization. This is done by way of election.
A free-market economy is a crucial aspect of capitalism. In such an economy, the distribution of products takes place as per market demand and supply. To put it simply, the price of a product rise when its demand rises. This is referred to as ‘the law of demand’ by economists. Production is increased by the organizations to increase the profit margin. Prices generally go down when supply increases in a capitalistic system.
Private Property Rights in Capitalism Meaning
Without private property rights, an economic system cannot be termed capitalistic. This is a core theme of capitalism meaning. In capitalism, private individuals may claim ownership. This is possible by a mixture of unclaimed resources and labor. After ownership is established, the legal ways in which a
property can be transferred are as follows:
- Voluntary exchange
- As a gifts
- As inheritance
- Re-homesteading of abandoned property
The private property offers various advantages such as the following:
- Providing an incentive to go for profit maximisation
- Entitlement to the value associated with a particular property
In capitalism, the trading power of a private owner is dependent on the value of the property. So, a private owner would be able to seek more profit in exchange if the property is a valuable one.
Profits and Losses in Capitalism Meaning
The mechanism of profits and losses is important to know to properly understand exactly what is capitalism. Focusing on capitalism meaning, one would realize that profits and private ownership are inter-connected. By capitalism definition, individuals only exchange private property when there is some benefit in it for
them. During such a transaction, both the parties earn profit or some value.
Another important aspect of capitalistic profits and losses is voluntary trade. In capitalism, the driving force is voluntary trading. This involves free competition among businesses to gain market share. Each organization tries to improve its product offering to attract more customers. So, a big market share means big profit while a small market share means small profit.
Differentiate between
capitalist and socialist systems?
The difference between these systems is mainly regarding means of production ownership. In capitalism, individuals can own property and run businesses. Socialism, on the other hand, is different as the government is the owner of the means of production. Besides this major difference, there are also other differences between socialism and capitalism in the form of:
- Equity
- Efficiency
- Employment
Explain
the state of employment in capitalism?
As per capitalism meaning, the employment of the workforce is not directly controlled by the government. While it has merits like it promotes private businesses, it also has a negative side. In capitalism, unemployment can easily manifest during an economic recession. This is because of no direct government on employment in capitalism.
What is meant by crony capitalism?
Crony capitalism is a form of capitalism
characterized by a close connection between the Government and businesses. In this form of capitalism meaning, the free-market alone does not determine an organization’s success. Success instead depends on the basis of favoritisms by the government. This favoritisms can take various forms such as:
- Tax breaks
- Government grants
- Financial incentives
- Behind the door favors
Is capitalism and free enterprise the same thing?
People, in
general, assume free enterprise and capitalism to be the same thing. However, there are certain differences which differentiate the two. Capitalism involves a method whereby the production and distribution of scarce resources takes place in a market. Free enterprise, in contrast, involves the legal rules that affect and govern commercial interactions and transactions.
Differentiate between pure capitalism and a mixed economic system?
Pure capitalism refers to an
economic system that is private and free. In a pure capitalist system, private businesses compete in the market without any interference from the government. In contrast, in a mixed economic system, private property ownership is permitted but there is some governmental interference.
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