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Value provided by interfamily economic exchange of goods and services in two cultures

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Abstract

The value of goods and services provided through interfamily economic exchange is examined from a household survey. The existence of an “exchange system” in society was documented. Over half of the respondents reported that economic transfers between families were important to the quality of their life. Estimated values varied with personal health conditions, importance attached to providing goods and services, years of residence in the community, primary recipient of services, ethnic culture, sex of respondent, and type of service provided. Estimated values can be used for calculating economic loss in community disruption and relocation, measuring family full income, and estimating the importance of nonmarket economic activity in society.

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The study contributes to interregional Agricultural Experiment Station Research Project NC-128 “Quality of Life as Affected by Area of Residence.” Cooperating States: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, and Texas.

Dr. Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. Her Ph.D. was received from Purdue in Family Economics and Management. Current research areas are income adequacy, economic security, financial problems, and financial counseling.

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Williams, F.L. Value provided by interfamily economic exchange of goods and services in two cultures. J Fam Econ Iss 9, 221–239 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988934

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