Traditional Market Systems

Click on the flashcard to see the answer



What defines a traditional market system?

A traditional market system is characterized by barter and trade based on customs and beliefs, often involving direct exchange without monetary transactions.

How does bartering function in traditional markets?

Bartering involves exchanging goods and services directly without using money as a medium, relying on mutual agreement of value.

What role do customs play in traditional markets?

Customs determine the production and distribution methods, often passed down through generations, influencing goods' trade practices.

Why are traditional market systems considered stable?

They are stable due to reliance on established customs and limited scope for change, providing consistency in economic activities.

In what ways do traditional market systems limit innovation?

The adherence to customs and established methods can restrict flexibility and openness to new ideas or technologies.

How do traditional market systems allocate resources?

Resources are allocated based on family roles, gender, and social hierarchies determined by cultural traditions.

Can traditional market systems effectively support large-scale economies? Why or why not?

No, they struggle to support large-scale economies due to limitations in scalability, adaptability, and resource allocation.

What is a 'double coincidence of wants'?

It is the mutual need for each other's goods or services that is required for a barter exchange to occur.

In what areas of the world are traditional market systems still prevalent?

They are often found in remote, rural areas of Africa, Asia, and South America where indigenous communities maintain traditional practices.

How do traditional market systems handle scarcity of resources?

They handle scarcity by relying on established practices and redistributing through communal sharing based on cultural norms.

What impact does technology have on traditional markets?

Technology can disrupt traditional economies by altering production, distribution, and consumption patterns, challenging customs.

How is pricing determined in traditional markets?

Pricing is often informal, based on barter agreements or customary trades rather than fixed market rates.

How do traditional markets differ from modern markets?

Traditional markets rely on barter, customs, and small-scale trade, while modern markets use currency, technology, and large-scale operations.

What is the role of subsistence agriculture in traditional market systems?

Subsistence agriculture provides essential resources for survival, focusing on local consumption rather than trade.

Why might traditional markets be more environmentally sustainable than modern ones?

They often use sustainable practices passed down through generations, aligning with natural cycles and local ecosystems.


Understand Better