Gift giving Flashcards
T or F: Is reciprocity universal?
True
Stages of gift giving:
Reciprocracy, Social relations, Value of a gift
Reciptcrocacy:
A gift given need to be given back/returned.
Social relations:
Gift-giving fosters relationships, and a gift not returned violates relationships
Value of a gift:
It is not a capitalist event, the value of a gift goes beyond monetary price.
- Commodities require effort and personalization.
Why is reciprocity important?
Seemingly culturally universal: Important for social relationships/kinship through gift giving.
And
Economic systems: how does reciprocity shape economics
What are the three economic systems within reciprocracy:
Positive, Balanced, Negative
The Kula ring:
Functionalist approach to the gift exchange.
- Kula exchange network
How discovered the Kula Ring?
Malinowski during his stay at Troiband islands
What is the Kula Ring:
Complex network, exchange between partners on different islands.
What were the type of gifts exchanged?
White arm shells (Mwaki): moved counterclockwise
Red necklaces (Soulava): moved clockwise
- Established a permanent/lifelong connection to specific trading partners.
What are the gifts exactly?
Soulva/Mwali had names that carried history and great value
- Rarely worn due to prestigous, and it is not practical.
T or F: did the gifts on the Troiband have to be passed down the Kula Ring?
True
Why participate in reciprocracy?
Reinforce statute/authority
- Establish/reinforce (relationship)
- It represents a tie between relationships
- Provides an occasion (inner island exchange) of utilitarian items.
T or F: Balanced reciprocity solidifies social relationships
True
