THE TRADITIONAL ECONOMY                                                                    back to Economies page

TRADITIONAL ECONOMIES USE THE RESOURCES THAT THEY HAVE AVAILABLE TO THEM TO PRODUCE THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. EX. THE INUIT INDIANS OF NORTHERN CANADA

RESOURCES - SEAL & CARIBOU, SNOW

- FLESH FROM ANIMALS = MAIN FOOD SOURCE
- ANIMAL SKINS = CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR, KAYAK & SUMMER TENTS
- BONES &TEETH = TOOLS, WEAPONS & TOYS FOR KIDS
- INTESTINE OF SEAL = USED FOR PLASTIC RAINWEAR & A DOOR FOR THE TENT OR IGLOO
- FAT OF SEAL = OIL TO BURN IN LAMPS
- SINEW = THREAD
- SNOW = SHELTER

HUMAN RESOURCE- CO-OPERATION WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPAL FOR PRODUCTION.  MEN = HUNTERS & PRODUCERS OF TOOLS

WOMEN & CHILDREN PREPARED FOOD & MADE OR REPAIRED CLOTHING

SKILLS WERE HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE FAMILY.

   Most of the resources were owned by the group rather than the individual. The land belonged to the tribe rather than individuals within the tribe.

ECONOMIC DECISIONS - based on traditional and religious beliefs. Age was respected and the Elders had the most power.

TRADITIONAL ECONOMIES have changed for many reasons.

   1. mostly better knowledge of the rest of the world. This has lead to better methods of doing things which may
       produce more wealth to the society.
   2. Outside contact with other economic systems. Ex. Inuit

- now live in houses instead of;

- now have snow mobiles instead of;

- now have radios and TVs instead of;

- now have satellite dishes instead of;

   ARE PEOPLE (INUIT) BETTER OFF BECAUSE OF THESE CHANGES TO THEIR WAY OF LIFE IS A QUESTION FOR DEBATE.