Self Sufficiency, Prosperity, and Survival

Inside, outside
Leave me alone
Inside, outside
Nowhere is home
--The Who

In economic context, self sufficiency is satisfying needs via internal production. There is no trade with other producers. By definition, a self-sufficient producer cannot be specialized. Broad range of skills is necessary to produce everything needed.

Without specialization, productivity declines. Efficiencies and learning effects of repetition cannot be realized. Frequent changes between tasks increase switching costs. Less output is created per hour of work.

Self sufficient production strategies are uncommon due to their prosperity-limiting nature.

Free people are likely to favor specialized production strategies. Producers produce a narrow set of outputs. They then trade with specialized producers to acquire economic resources that advance prosperity.

Self-sufficient production strategies become more attractive in markets where trade is restricted. When trade is restricted, the producers must expand their scope of activities in order to satisfy basic needs.

Prosperity is sacrificed in favor of survival.