Moral Economy: 25 Concepts in Anthropology

[@NicholasHerriman]

2016 notes on Moral Economy (thanks to ANT4COR La Trobe students): Moral Economy = “a consistent traditional view of social norms and obligations, of the proper economic functions of several parties within the community” (Thompson 1971, p. 79) * peasants' “notion of economic justice and their working definition of exploitation” (exploitation is defined as claims which threaten subsistence) (Scott 1975, p. 3); what claims are tolerable, and what makes them angry. *"a common notion of the just distribution of resources and social exchange" (Mau 2007). The idea that morality is tied up with economy was already implied by Mauss's observation that giving implies an obligation--giving is thus moral. Later anthropologists e.g. Gouldner "Norm of Reciprocity" confirmed this normative or moral aspect of economy. Thompson's take on moral economy is that strikes, peasant rebellions are not simply caused by hunger. For instance, during a famine, if everybody is starving this might be accepted. But if some people are profiteering during a famine, this might prompt others to rebel. Scott's take on moral economy is that Southeast Asian peasants were living as if they were up to their necks in water (i.e. barely surviving). Rather than some people pushing down on others in order to prop themselves up (i.e. amassing wealth), cultural and societal norms enforced shared poverty (work, land, food etc. shared). The principle was that no-one should flourish, but nor should anyone stave--a kind of common survival strategy. This is similar to what Geertz had called "agricultural involution" when discussing the colonial economy of 1800s Java. One application of this concept is in critiquing neoliberalism it is argued that market principles of competition overcome the demands of moral economy.

[@michellecarswell807]

Thanks! Can you please explain the difference between moral anthropology and anthropology of moralities? I feel like, depending on the text, sometimes they're offered interchangeably.

[@gorkemgorkey9954]

You really helped clarifying rhis concept for me. Thanks a lot, you won a grateful sub.

[@NicholasHerriman]

No problem Cookie.

[@innovativesociology334]

Thank you very much for making videos on various concepts, you have clearly described about moral economy(thanks heartily). I hope you will make more and more videos on an other concepts with easy examples. thanks...

[@NicholasHerriman]

Thanks for the positive feedback

[@urfazia349]

Hi thank you so much for a clear reflection on moral economy. Can you please answer my question what are the key lessons for moral economy or take aways for you from that affect your approach to environment and sustainability?

[@mujahidulislam3917]

Thanks a lot

[@NicholasHerriman]

No worries, you're welcome!

[@foom4029]

I really like your channel I wish to pursue anthropology in future Wish me luck :)

[@NicholasHerriman]

Good luck, I hope you stick with it!

[@ekbergiw]

5:56 they were literally putting sawdust in the bread. Read das Capital

[@NicholasHerriman]

Yes and I think sawdust is what my local hipster baker puts in his wholemeal loaf! But seriously, your debate is with E.P. Thompson, whose work I'm explaining here. My guess is that he might have dabbled in Das Capital from time to time.

[@ekbergiw]

@@NicholasHerriman lolol he really uses sawdust!? I'd actually be intrigue denough to taste it, but I would not consider that too healthy. A lot of that would be completely undigestable since wood contains lygnin, also if he doesn't designate between trees you might end up eating tree bark from a tree with toxic sap. There's a whole portion of Marx's book dedicated to the things capitalist breadmakers did to their bread to save money. In addition to the whole "tree flour" thing they apparently put bleached soot and white ash in the bread as filler.

[@dilawaizmanzooralam9458]

Thankyou so much for making such an insightful video.. I am a student from Pakistan who wants to enroll in masters program in anthropology from La Trobe University can you guide me please

[@NicholasHerriman]

Sure, I may not be able guide you, but I might know who can. Please email me at [e-mail]

[@tenetsucks9602]

Are there critics saying that we don't have enough of a moral economy? Are they all critics of capitalism? ie., not wanting banks to make too much money

[@NicholasHerriman]

Hi, thanks for asking this question; it has forced me to reconsider my own opinions. Yes you're right. I think if we apply the moral economy concept more rigorously, it is not necessarily simply a criticism of capitalism. Moral economy critiques can also apply to reciprocal (less capitalistic) systems, I think.