There are three main ways that goods and services are distributed in societies: reciprocity, redistribution, and market exchange. Reciprocity involves the direct exchange of goods between two parties, and can take several forms from generalized reciprocity between close kin to balanced reciprocity which calculates value and timing of repayment. Redistribution involves goods and services flowing to a central authority who then reallocates them in a different form. Market exchange involves many buyers and sellers exchanging goods through pricing mechanisms. How these systems of exchange are implemented depends on social and political factors within each society.

1. Economic Anthropology: Systems of Exchange Reciprocity, Redistribution, Market Transactions