ANTH 202 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Kula Ring, Barter, Bridal Shower
28 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
We studied one aspect of economics already: subsistence. Both sexes perform a large part of activities together. Activities of one sex can be done by other sex without any loss of face. It would be humiliating to do work of the other sex. Labor specialization done by people dedicated to task. How goods and resources make their way to people. Generalized reciprocity value of goods not precisely calculated and time of repayment not specified. Balanced reciprocity expected to return a gift of equal value and to do so promptly. Example: buying a round of drinks at a bar. Negative reciprocity each party tries to get a better deal (competitive). Try to acquire the most valuable shells by skillful trade. Can keep item for a short time and then must trade it. Can be used to help the needy (charity), to display wealth and power, to gain favor, to build alliances.
