ANTA02H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Marcel Mauss, Karl Polanyi, Conspicuous Consumption
Document Summary
Assignment #2 is due next week, aug 1st. Karl polyani defined 3 basic modes of distribution/exchange: reciprocity, redistribution, market exchange, reciprocity. Basis of most non-market economies, but common to all. Powerful form of exchange that creates and emphasizes social relationships. Marcel mauss (1872-1950) - the gift (1923) Gift economies of small-scale societies contrasted with commodity exchanges. Explores the way that the reciprocal exchange of objects between groups builds relationship between humans - no such thing as free gift. Giving- the necessary initial step for the creation and maintenance of social relationships. Receiving- for to refuse to receive to reject the social bond. Reciprocating - in order to demonstrate one"s own status, prestige, honour and wealth. Generalized --> someone gives and expects nothing immediate or of equal value in return. Balanced --> someone gives and expect return of something of equal value.
