ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1 we examined some ways in which social scientists have defined and conceptualised the economy. The premise behind this analysis is that all societies - whether ancient or modern - have economies, even though the substance of economic life may change considerably over time. Put another way, the presumption is that all societies, to remain viable, must somehow attempt to mobilise the resources of land, labour and capital to meet human wants. While it is true that humankind does not live by bread alone, it is equally true, speaking metaphorically, that humankind cannot live without bread.
