Introduction

Abstract

The already existing gap between rich and poor countries and regions was exacerbated by the 2008 economic crisis, even though central banks responded to this crisis by greatly increasing the supply of money. The following year, the Sardex complementary currency (CC) was created in Sardinia, one of the poorest regions of Europe, and within a few years it had developed into a complex, well-organised monetary system with a significant increase in members and monetary transactions every. The founders were young emigrants interested in returning to their region of origin to try and “do something useful” for their land, and to “build” a job for themselves. Research findings suggest that Sardex offers an interpretation of money functioning far from the traditional “neutral veil”: Sardex enables social mechanisms that exceed traditional utilitarianism and encourage economic development by fostering cooperation between economic actors, while current economic policies advocate increasing competition. Sardex determines a wide range of economic and social effects (e.g., reciprocity, solidarity, etc.) which are not normally attributed to money. This evidence hints at the power of money to change society. The Sardex currency has moved beyond the idea of money enhancing impersonal market relationship and facilitates the creation of new social ties where individuals perceive themselves and their economic activity as deeply involved with a collectivity.

Gold is a treasure, and he who possesses it does all he wishes to in this world, and succeeds in helping souls to paradise.

(Christopher Columbus)

It is well enough that the people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system for, if they did, I believe that there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.

(Henry Ford)