Contextualizing Community Currency: Understanding the Comox Valley LETS
Date
2023-09-19
Authors
Campbell, Nicole
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In 1983, a system of alternative community currency called LETS (Local Exchange Trade Systems) emerged in the Comox Valley in the midst of a period of severe inflation and economic recession. This project utilized archival materials from the original system alongside other sources to explore the economic, socio-cultural, and political factors that influenced both the creation of the LETS, and the community members that supported it. It seeks to situate the LETSystem within the wider historical context in order to gain a better understanding of why this community viewed a community currency as a desirable alternative to the established monetary systems to which they were accustomed.
Description
Keywords
Anthropology, Economics, Community Currency, Comox Valley, LETS, Vancouver Island