Taxonomies of CCCs: Unveiling Money’s Political Nature

Abstract

This paper explores the classification of Community and Complementary Currency Systems (CCCs), focusing on the taxonomies proposed in academic research. Within this experimental landscape, diverse terminologies and frameworks highlight the need to explore how these currencies are categorized in academic research. The study emphasizes the indicators used to construct taxonomies, revealing the implicit monetary theories underpinning them. It argues for a perspective on money that transcends orthodox economic approaches, prioritizing its political dimensions. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset—including the RAMICS Association database and supplementary literature—this analysis underscores the growing interest in systematic frameworks to capture the complex nature and social value of CCCs. The findings advocate for multidimensional and interdisciplinary approaches to avoid reducing the understanding of money to technical or economic impacts. Instead, the paper positions money as a fundamentally political instrument. The evolution of classification indicators provides insights into the theoretical frameworks guiding CCCs taxonomies, enriching the broader discourse on monetary systems. This review forms a pivotal part of a doctoral research project on money and ‘monedas sociales,’ offering valuable contributions to the study of complementary and community currencies and their socio-political implications.