ABSTRACT
Economists agree that economic incentives can be arranged in an order of intensity. Broadly speaking, the existence or intensity of wants is derived from the fact that they are satisfied, and that certain wants are satisfied rather than others. It will be best to begin with concrete illustrations of the economic balance achieved in Nupe households. The wants on which resources are expended form part of culture—they reflect customs, conventions, tastes, fashions. For 'maintenance of labour' read increase of capital and wealth; for 'demands of the community' dictates of status and prestige. In Bida, where one can change one's profession and try new means of livelihood, these 'minimum' wants can be studied most profitably in the individuals who have abandoned their original occupation in order to better their standard of living. The last group of 'cultural requirements'—personal wants—is the most fluid and the most difficult to outline.
