In the imagination of a just and egalitarian society, the idea of a moneyless society is considered by many to be a deeply human aspiration. For anarchists (especially anarcho-communists), the abolition of money is not a far-fetched dream—it is rather a necessary step towards a free and cooperative society. While creating a completely moneyless economy is complex, anarchist theory provides us with the philosophical foundation and practical guidance to move towards it.
The role of money in capitalist society
In the capitalist context, money is not just a neutral medium of exchange. It is a kind of abstract power that transforms labor, nature, and social relations into commodities. In capitalism, money is used to extract surplus value from the labor of workers, and through this, class-divided, discriminatory, and exploitative structures are created.
According to anarchists, as long as money and profit-based transactions persist, exploitation persists—even if it is conducted in the name of socialism. True liberation requires a society in which production is for use, not for sale; where needs are met on the basis of equality and cooperation, not monetary amounts.
Historical experience and inspiration
Although a fully cashless society has not yet been established, there have been some attempts throughout history. During the Spanish Revolution of 1936, anarchists in Catalonia and Aragon abolished money in the regions they controlled. Workers’ unions took control of factories and land, and goods were distributed according to need. Although tokens or vouchers were used temporarily in some cases, the ultimate goal was the complete abolition of money.
Moreover, many indigenous societies and traditional communities followed a gift economy instead of money, which was based on kinship, trust, and mutual responsibility—quite different from the competitive individualism of capitalism.
Principles of an anarchist moneyless society
1. Collective ownership of the means of production
Land, factories, machinery, and wealth—all will be the collective property of the people. No one will be able to own them and use them for personal profit.
2. Production for needs, not for profit.
Production will be through social planning, with the aim of meeting the needs of all—not for sale in the market or for dividends.
3. Need-based or open access-based distribution of resources
People will not buy goods and services with money; they will collect them as needed. In a society based on trust and cooperation, there is no need to worry about “who took how much”.
4. Decentralized planning and self-management
Production and distribution will be planned by local-level assemblies, councils, and self-governing federations—not by any central state or market system.
5. Mutual aid and solidarity
The centerpiece of this society will be mutual aid. Anarchist philosophers like Peter Kropotkin argued that mutual aid is a natural and necessary basis of human society. Transitioning to a cashless economy: A step-by-step and experimental approach
It is not possible to suddenly move from a money-based society to a moneyless one. Anarchists generally envision this transition as a constructive revolutionary process rather than a destructive one. There are several steps that can be taken:
Creating collaborative networks , such as community gardens, open schools, time banks.
‘Dual Power’ Formation:
Developing alternative systems that operate outside the current capitalist structure.
Asset seizure and redistribution: Seizing unused land, buildings, or factories and bringing them to the public’s use.
Mentality change: Preparing people by moving from consumerism to a culture of solidarity and equality.
Challenges and criticisms
Many people believe that without money, society would be chaotic, lazy, or inefficient. But anarchists argue that these fears are actually misconceptions born from capitalism. In reality, in a cooperative environment, people are often willing to work for each other’s good. Furthermore, anarchist systems maintain the necessary order through decentralization and mutual accountability.
Current technologies, such as open source planning tools, digital coordination platforms, or autonomous supply chains—these can be helpful in a cashless society if they are in the hands of the public rather than privately owned.
Conclusion
A moneyless society, from an anarchist perspective, is not just a fantasy—it is a realistic future based on mutual aid, collective ownership, and democratic self-government. It strikes at the root of capitalist transactions and exploitative systems and opens the door to a world where people can live according to their needs—for free. Today, many small efforts around the world are already beginning to realize this dream.
Discover more from Class Autonomy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
