Ecological constraints on trans-Himalayan trade in Nepal

The author examines claims made by Dr Haimendorf in 1975, where he presents the link between economic organisation and its correlation with social relations. He argues that it is appropriate to consider the extent to the type of trade produces certain social attitudes and arrangements. 

The concept of "social outlook" is a term that seems to explain everything, but really explains nothing, if for no other reason than one might ask how this "outlook" comes about. The reliance on trade as a central economic activity must be questioned at the start. As well as being traders, the people being studied are farmers and keep animals and the degree to which members of the groups relied on trade is not homogenous, with many having abandoned trade in subsequent years.