Characteristics of the communal economic system

Scholars have identified various characteristics which they argue define the
communal/primitive economic system:
1) It existed in classless communities i.e. there were no class divisions. There
was equality.
2) Means of production were owned communally i.e. no individual ownership of
land and other means of production.
3) Economic production revolved around social, religious and kinship
institutions.
4) Land was cultivated or worked upon collectively.
5) There was no surplus hence there were no classes and exploitation.
6) There was no market in the modern sense of the word.
7) The community interests were paramount i.e. were above individual interests.
8) No individual accumulation.
9) Goods produced were circulated or redistributed communally.
10) Chiefs/heads of communal villages served as mediums of redistribution.
11) Simple but appropriate technology was used in the production process. This
technology was locally available.
12) There was no large scale interaction with distant foreign communities.
13) Consumption patterns revolved around the principle of reciprocity.
14) The entire community safeguarded individuals from risks such as starvation
unless otherwise the entire community was under siege.
15) Labour input and output in production activities was collective, not individual.
16) The motive of personal gain, labouring to earn an income and accumulate etc.
were absent.

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Titany answered the question on December 8, 2021 at 05:49