ABSTRACT
The process of overturning a tribal or command system and replacing it with an ownership-based society always struggles with the issue of social safety. Relations based on solidarity provide support in a tribal community. Similarly, the rulers of a command/feudal system have an obligation to look after their due-and service-providing serfs. An ownership-based society does not develop a similar social safety network from within itself. While the traditional safety networks operate at the same low levels as the associated systems of production, this protection against the uncertainties of a much more dynamic ownership-based economy is often vehemently defended.
