7: Economic Systems Flashcards
Etymology of “economics”
From Greek “oikonomikos”
Oikos
Lele culture in DRC: Raffia cloth!
Very valuable!
Young men need it as bridewealth to marry women. Older men manufacture it, so young men need older men’s approval. And since one man can’t possibly make all the raffia needed, a young couple needs the community’s approval.
However, in the modern economy young men can work and buy raffia. This undercuts older men’s clout, and increases bride sales.
Marcel Mauss: 3 obligations tied to gift giving
- To give
- Receive
- Reciprocate
Why is reciprocity important?
Society is built on endless exchanges of gift giving. It transforms recipient into indebtor. It’s a form of social contract.
3 types of economies defined by…(K.P.)
Karl Polyani!
3 types of economies defined by _____
Karl Polyani
- Reciprocity
- Redistribution
- Market
Sahlins 3 types of reciprocity
- Generalized
- Balanced
- Negative
Generalized reciprocity is based on:
- gifts, sharing, generosity
- kinship-based
- moral: no expectation of return
Why generalized reciprocity?
- ensures survival, equitable food distribution
- helps familial bonds
Generalized reciprocity is correlated with…
- rank
- relative wealth and need
- food
- geographic distance
Balanced reciprocity:
- return-gift is expected
- Delayed exchange
- Gifts are equal
- Used for maintaining distant relationships
Kula Ring uses what kind of reciprocity
Balanced, inter-island relationships
What do Kula Ring exchange
Vaygu’a! Armbands, bracelets, necklaces that men wear. No practical purpose but carry a lot of prestige, pride, and history.
Reciprocity types: self interest, greatest to least
Negativity, balanced, generalized
Reciprocity types: prevalence in band societies, greatest to least
Generalized, balanced, negative
