neyslu

Neyslu is a term used in contemporary sociological literature to describe a form of informal, voluntary mutual aid within communities. It refers to networks in which members exchange goods, services, or time without standardized monetary payments, relying on social ties, reciprocity, and trust rather than formal contracts. The etymology is uncertain; some scholars propose it as a modern neologism derived from multilingual roots, while others treat it as a term coined in recent decades in studies of grassroots economies.

Practices associated with neyslu include time banking, tool- and resource-sharing, skill-swapping, and neighborhood exchanges that operate through local groups, online platforms, or informal meetups. Networks emphasize accessibility, local resilience, and the expansion of resource access for participants who face barriers in formal markets. They typically organize through voluntary coordination, mutual expectations, and reputational incentives rather than legal obligations.

Scholarly and policy discussions around neyslu examine its potential to complement formal welfare and social services by fostering social capital, reducing transactional costs, and enabling rapid community responses to shocks. Critics raise concerns about inclusivity, scalability, and regulatory or tax implications, as well as the risk that such informal arrangements could substitute for public provision in ways that may undermine accountability.

Neyslu remains a fluid concept with variations in practice across communities. Researchers continue to study its dimensions, outcomes, and interactions with formal economic and welfare systems.