Beyond Money

Tim Jenkin has long been active in the realms of community economies, exchange alternatives, and social justice. He is the founder of Community Exchange System which has for three decades offered free hosting for community exchange groups. Today “CES is comprised of 1155 exchanges in 104 countries, making it the first global network of alternative exchange systems.”

In his latest article, he explains the ethical implications of how an econmomy is organized. Here is an introductory excerpt:

“Every economy carries an ethical message. Whether explicitly stated or quietly assumed, the way we organise exchange teaches us something about what matters, how we should relate to one another, and what kind of behaviour is rewarded. Over time, these lessons shape not only markets, but character.

Most people do not experience an economy as an abstract system. They experience it through daily interactions: paying rent, earning income, settling obligations, asking for help, offering services, and worrying about the future. These experiences gradually form an ethical landscape — one that influences how people treat one another and how they see themselves.

The question is not whether an economy has moral consequences. It is what kind.“

Plesase read the entire article.