Economic Anthropology Flashcards
What is economic anthropology?
The description and analysis of economic life using an anthropological perspective
How does economic anthropology differ from traditional economic approaches?
Economic anthropologists are more concerned with exchange and meaning within a culture, whereas economists usually just focus on modern economy like the stock market, how much things cost, etc. They don’t put emphasis on the people and cultures making the economics, instead just focusing on the economics itself.
Why is there no pure gift?
Something is always expected/given in return. Even if someone doesn’t reciprocate a physical gift, the act of giving is a reward in itself. Whether that be publicity or just feeling good for giving in general.
Why is gift giving important?
It’s important for the establishment and maintenance of social interactions. Gifts create relationships between individuals and groups.
What is reciprocity?
Giving and taking without the use of money
What important social processes can we learn from Potlach? What relations were produced through potlach rituals?
Binds the chief to his people and to other villages, and sets up competition between the chiefs
What is the Kula ring?
A vast interisland exchange system, exchanging necklaces and bracelets; system linked to political authority
What kinds of reciprocity exist? How they do they differ from one another?
Generalized Reciprocity- gift giving without any immediate or planned return (not expected to pay your mom back for cooking you dinner)
Balanced Reciprocity- gift giving where a return is expected (you pay for friends food cus he forgot wallet, he’s expected to pay you back)
Negative Reciprocity- Where a return isn’t given even though it’s expected
What was the Potlatch?
A HUGE party thrown in Kwakiutl culture when something important happens in the chief’s life (marriage, funerals, house building, etc.) It’s a form of ceremonial exchange of gifts
