A concept first
elucidated by
anthropologist Eric T. Wolf. Wolf contends that one of the
defining characteristics of
peasant societies is their use of resources. The ceremonial fund is defined as those resources
allocated for the
maintenance of the social structure of a peasant
society. For example, these funds might be used to uphold
traditional celebrations, support the
religious practices of the
community, or to pay for the costs of marriage.
One of the problems presented by globalization is the conversion from a commodity-based local economy to a capital-based export economy. As peasants lose their ceremonial fund, their ability to maintain their social structure weakens, then collapses. This weakness is often characterized by abandonment of old customs, and the collapse is frequently punctuated by violent uprising.
Related concepts: