Max Weber pointed out that economic action is almost always related to political power and the inequitable distribution of that power between participants.
An exchange economy rests upon networks of relationships that are contractual in nature. Though, unequal differences in power exist between the parties involved. However, all economic systems are founded upon social relations existing between individuals and groups of individuals. From balanced reciprocity, exchange of gifts between trading partners forming long-term alliances and political relations among peoples sometimes there was a forming of long distance relations between these partners. Always respect not profit was the underlying motive for trade. Social relations were protected. On the other hand, plunder was always a possibility between people who have no commitment to preserving a social relationship of mutual respect. Production for profit and modern financial investments are more closely related to plunder than to balanced reciprocity. Max Weber and Karl Polanyi offer a dialectical balance to Marxist economics.
No comments:
Post a Comment