Distribution
A flow of resources.
Market distribution
Predominant flow of resources in market capitalism.
A transnational flow of resources. It assumes entities like producer and consumer. Intermediaries can take place in the transfer, such as commerce agent, someone who buys from the producer and sells to another commerce agent or directly to the consumer.
The transaction is an exchange, in most cases mediated by monetary currency / money.
Non-market distribution
Non-market distribution refers to the allocation and exchange of goods and services through means other than traditional market transactions involving monetary payment. These methods are often used to distribute goods and services based on principles such as need, equity, or social responsibility. Here are some categories and examples of non-market distribution of goods:
1. Gift Economy
Description: In a gift economy, goods and services are given freely without an explicit exchange of value or expectation of reciprocation.
Examples:
- Freecycle networks where individuals offer items they no longer need for free.
- Community sharing events like "Free Markets" where people donate and take items without monetary exchange.
- Open-source software development where contributors freely share code and expertise.
2. Sharing Economy:
Description: The sharing economy involves individuals sharing access to resources, goods, or services, often facilitated by technology platforms.
Examples:
- Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft where individuals share their vehicles for a fee.
- Accommodation-sharing platforms like Airbnb where people rent out their homes or rooms to travelers.
- Peer-to-peer lending platforms where individuals lend money to others without involving traditional financial institutions.
3. Commons-Based Peer Production:
Description: Commons-based peer production refers to collaborative efforts where individuals contribute resources and labor to create shared goods or services.
Examples:
- Wikipedia, where volunteers collaboratively create and edit articles on a wide range of topics.
- Open-source software projects like Linux or Mozilla Firefox, where developers contribute code and collaborate to create free software.
- Community gardens where people collectively cultivate and share produce.
4. Non-Profit Distribution:
Description: Non-profit organizations distribute goods and services without seeking to generate profits, often focusing on meeting community needs or advancing social causes.
Examples:
- Food banks and pantries that distribute food to those in need.
- Charitable organizations providing free medical services or educational programs.
- Public libraries lending books, media, and other resources to the community at no cost.
5. Government Distribution:
Description: Government agencies may distribute goods and services to citizens as part of public welfare or social programs.
Examples:
- Public education systems providing free or subsidized education to students.
- Public healthcare systems offering medical services and treatments regardless of ability to pay.
- Social welfare programs providing assistance such as unemployment benefits, housing support, or food assistance.
6. Mutual Aid Networks:
Description: Mutual aid networks involve individuals or groups providing assistance and support to each other based on principles of solidarity and reciprocity.
Examples:
- Community-based mutual aid funds providing financial support to members during emergencies or crises.
- Neighborhood or community associations organizing volunteer efforts to assist vulnerable members during disasters or hardships.
- Informal networks of caregivers providing support to each other in caring for elderly or disabled family members.
Recently, in the web3 realm, we've seen the gain in popularity of airdrops, which are in essence gifts of tokens to a segment of the population. Usually, there are measures in place for the selection of individuals who can benefit and rules of access associated with the process. That is because airdrops are designed to bring a new network or application to critical mass.