Money is more than just a tool for trade. It extends past that. It is a social technology that enables us to interact, express ourselves, and connect with others. Our values, tastes, priorities, and what makes us happy or unhappy may all be seen through the lens of money.
We all speak the same language, which is money, but we don’t all understand it the same way. While some people utilize money to produce, give to, and assist others, others abuse, hoard, and exercise control over it. Money has the ability to inspire charity or greed, trust or disbelief, and unification or division.
Because of this, money is more than just a means of transaction. It is a strong tool that can be employed for good or bad. How we use it and the message we choose to share through it will determine its impact.
Let’s look at a few examples to show how money is social in nature:
- The Function of Money on a Remote Island: Consider a Lone Castaway on a Bare Island. Even if the castaway had a bag filled with $100 to sleep on, it would be useless. Money has little value in that situation other than as a temporary bed. The castaway still needs warmth, food, clothing, shelter, and equipment. This shows that even when we’re alone, we still have wants. However, money on its own has no use. The value of money in society.
- Money is not just about transactions; it is intricately linked to relationships. This is known as the power of relationships. Our capacity to obtain money is influenced by the quantity of social capital we have. People are more likely to open doors to financial prospects for us when they respect, admire, and appreciate us. Who we are and who trusts us is reflected in our wealth. Building and maintaining relationships can therefore have a favorable effect on our financial wellbeing.
- Money and Difficult Situations: Take the example of a person who decides to quit their boring job and ride a bicycle around the globe in poverty. This intrepid person opts to live on the edge, unrestrained by the demands of comfort and wealth. They rely on the kindness of strangers, whether it be individuals, governmental bodies, or vacant locations, for food and shelter. While other times they hunt for food, they occasionally obtain complimentary meals. They live in a variety of settings, including comfortable homes, parks, and under bridges. Since they don’t have any money, they have to rely on the goodwill of others, and they enjoy the surprises and lessons that each day provides.
- Imagine being on the eve of giving birth in a nation where healthcare is not publicly available, and you do not have the financial resources to cover hospital costs. Instead of giving up, she and her husband used their network of friends and media resources to start a fundraising effort. People were moved by their incredible exploits and gave to their cause, which helped them pay for the necessary expenses. So, with the help of many kind individuals, one of the Zapp family’s children was born in the United States.
- Money as a Tool for Resistance: The maquis were guerilla fighters who fought Nazism in Spain and France during World War II. Along with using guns, they also used money as a tactic of resistance. They printed “maquis” bills using covert printing presses to create their own money. Their ability to buy materials from friendly store owners using this alternate currency made their operations easier. As a gesture of cooperation with the maquis and in recognition of their crucial role in the struggle against oppression, the store owners happily received these banknotes. The maquis’ clandestine economy revealed their independence and defiance.
- Money is more than its material form. It is a social construct reflecting our connections, values, and aspirations. It serves as a metaphor for work, effort, ability, wisdom, and creativity. These resources can be exchanged with others who want or need them thanks to money. It acknowledges the value we produce and the uniqueness of each of us. Connecting with people in society can be facilitated by money.
In conclusion, money has far more meaning than just serving as a means of transaction. It affects our relationships, our capacity to handle difficult circumstances, and our ability to effect positive change. Knowing how money functions socially enables us to use it in ways that are consistent with our beliefs and objectives, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
