ANTHROP 1AB3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Stephen Jay Gould, Peggy Mcintosh, Zande People
16 Nov 2014
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Gift giving involves reciprocity and what is important is not the gift but the social ties and bonds that are formed through obligation. Example; friend gives gift we feel like we have to give a gift of around the same value. We do this with people we want to maintain or start a relationship with. Commodities become gifts when we appropriate and personalize them. How commodities turned into gifts: it"s the thought that counts". Sentimental value to you or the person receiving the gift: frivolous or fabulous gifts. Something that you would want but wouldn"t spend on yourself: wrapped. Effort: shopping to find the right" gift. Ritual to convert a commodity to a gift. Ultimately strengthens or fosters familial or other bonds. Unequal access to: wealth or economic resources (things that have value) What: power (ability to persuade others and often to control them) Different in different societies: prestige (respect and honour)
