Economic Fluidity in the Middle Ages

Abstract

On this academic article, certain aspects of the economic customs during the Middle Ages are analyzed, primarily using the term of “fluidity”, in addition to linking it with other contemporary terms derived from early 20^th-century economic theory. This exercise seeks, first, exemplify the meaning of the term “fluidity” by observing some of the medieval economic practices, seen through the descriptions of the period by various authors, primarily Jacques Le Goff. Secondly, the article wants to expose certain elements that led to the subsequent development of early-stage capitalism, known as  the mercantilist system, where fluidity is once again implicated in some of its characteristics.