ANTA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Ethnology, Market System, Consumerism
Document Summary
Karl polyani defined 3 basic modes of distribution/exchange: reciprocity, redistribution, market exchange. In most societies we find a mix of all three of them, but sometimes there ae cultutres who have one single system out of these three. Basis of small scale most non-market and non-industrial societies, but common to all. Powerful form of exchange that creates and emphasizes social relationships. This is an ethnology of cross-cultural gift giving traditions. Gift economies of small-scale societies contrasted with commodity exchanges. Explores the way that the reciprocal exchange of objects between groups builds relationships between humans - no such thing as a free gift. It is a very powerful form of transaction and it can be used in many strategic ways. Giving: the necessary initial step for the creation and maintanence of social relationships. Receiving: for to refuse to recieve is to reject the social relationship. Reciprocating: in order to demonstrate ones own prestige, honour and wealth.
