The Sociology of Money: Viviana Zelizer and Currency Labeling

This article provides a thorough analysis of the sociological approach to money, focusing on the work of Viviana Zelizer. The author challenges classical economics, which views money as a neutral and impersonal instrument of exchange. A key element of the text is the concept of "earmarking," the process by which individuals assign specific social and moral meanings to money based on its source or purpose. The reader will learn how these mechanisms operate within households, influencing gender relations and the perception of "pin money" or pocket money. The text deconstructs the myth of the dollar's homogeneity, revealing it as a medium deeply embedded in culture, ethics, and emotions, leading to diverse social practices related to its spending.