What is a Marketplace?
We hear a lot about “the marketplace”. The problem is these days business people and politicians decide what it is for their own purposes.
Regulation
At one time the marketplace’s role was to build community; it was the centre of activity for mutual benefit.
City of Sheffield Standard Measures of Length
Of course, there were always cheats and charlatans, so markets were regulated in various ways. Weights and measures have always been regulated. In the Old Testament you will find passages about fair weights and measures, eg Leviticus 19:35-36. Amos 8:4-6, Proverbs 20:10. It is possible to see the standard measure of length in Sheffield city centre today.
Whilst regulation is essential for a just marketplace, it is trust that makes the market work. People mostly deal fairly because they know it is in their mutual interest to do so. Regulation sets a standard of fairness and allows for redress when someone deals unfairly but it does not of itself make the market fair.
The Forum
Many community organisations call themselves a forum. Today ‘forum’ almost means meeting or perhaps organisation.
If you have visited Rome, you will have seen the Forum and so understand it is a place. It was the city’s market but far more than a place for buying and selling. They shared news (on walls or from soap boxes) and citizens could contribute to political decision-making or take part in legal decisions. It was possible to take a bath, have a meal and keep the children entertained.
If you had something to sell you took it to the market. Whilst you must obey the rules you had a right to be there. It was your expression of your livelihood.
Out-of-Town Centres
Contrast with today’s privately owned out-of-town shopping centre. They resemble something like the traditional forum. But their purpose is to enrich a distant owner. They are designed to encourage people to go there for leisure and to spend. It is not about enriching a community, it is about extraction of wealth from the community.
Where do you experience anything like old-fashioned markets or forums? Is the Internet more like the traditional forum or an out-of-town shipping mall?