It is striking that many sociologists observe that their discipline has failed to establish an adequate intellectual framework for the systematic analysis of money. This led Geoffrey Ingham to speak of an "Underdevelopment of the sociology of money" (Ingham in Sociologica 41(10): 3-18 1998).

In keeping with the dual nature of the monetary relationship, crises may take on two polar-opposite forms: the resurgence of either centralising or fragmenting trends. Both also upset the fragile balance that the hierarchised system has brought about. But, contrary to what a casual inspection...

This book endeavours to throw light on the phenomenon of money in general in an essentially comparative and therefore concrete way and not from a universalist, dogmatic and abstract standpoint. To do this, it apprehends monetary relations within the particular society to which they belong.