http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22539062
There's a myth that monetary markets evolved ineluctably from barter, and that barter is the inevitable 'natural' result of humans finding themselves in a market without currency. Now, these 'Food swap' networks exist within market society (albeit one in which circulating currency is currently becoming harder to come by). they seem to work thuswise:
- The first 30 minutes swappers set up their stalls and fill out card with info including ingredients
- For the next hour swappers examine and sample items on offer
- If they are interesting they write their name and what they are prepared to swap
- In the final 30 minutes the swapping and trading actually happen
This shows the more intensive social relations involved in swaps. Obviously, such projects are more interesting than useful, and may only be of benefit to someone who can afford to live by other means.