Hi Ron,
I like these insights from David Graeber:
The Gift or Surplus Economy
"David Graeber, an American anthropologist, has extensively studied the concept of the gift economy, which is a system of exchange where goods and services are given without expectation of immediate return or reciprocity. In his work, Graeber argues that the gift economy is a fundamental aspect of human society, and that it has been present throughout history.
Key Principles of the Gift Economy
According to Graeber, the gift economy is characterized by the following principles:
No expectation of reciprocity: In a gift economy, there is no expectation of immediate return or reciprocity. Gifts are given without the expectation of receiving something in return.
"David Graeber, an American anthropologist, has extensively studied the concept of the gift economy, which is a system of exchange where goods and services are given without expectation of immediate return or reciprocity. In his work, Graeber argues that the gift economy is a fundamental aspect of human society, and that it has been present throughout history.
Key Principles of the Gift Economy
According to Graeber, the gift economy is characterized by the following principles:
No expectation of reciprocity: In a gift economy, there is no expectation of immediate return or reciprocity. Gifts are given without the expectation of receiving something in return.
No commodity exchange: In a gift economy, goods and services are not exchanged as commodities. Instead, they are given as gifts.
Social relationships: The gift economy is based on social relationships and social obligations. Gifts are given to maintain and strengthen social bonds. Non-commodified: The gift economy is non-commodified, meaning that goods and services are not valued based on their market price.
Examples of Gift Economies
Graeber provides several examples of gift economies throughout history and across different cultures. For example: Indigenous societies: In many indigenous societies, gift economies were a fundamental aspect of social organization. For example, in some Native American societies, food was shared without expectation of return.
Ancient Greece: In ancient Greece, the concept of "charis" referred to the social obligation to reciprocate a gift. However, this obligation was not necessarily tied to a specific return gift, but rather to the maintenance of social relationships.
Traditional societies: In many traditional societies, gift economies were a way of life. For example, in some African societies, cattle were given as gifts to maintain social relationships and to demonstrate wealth.
Critique of the Market Economy
Graeber argues that the market economy, which is based on commodity exchange and reciprocity, is a relatively recent development in human history. He argues that the market economy has led to the erosion of social relationships and the commodification of goods and services."
Social relationships: The gift economy is based on social relationships and social obligations. Gifts are given to maintain and strengthen social bonds. Non-commodified: The gift economy is non-commodified, meaning that goods and services are not valued based on their market price.
Examples of Gift Economies
Graeber provides several examples of gift economies throughout history and across different cultures. For example: Indigenous societies: In many indigenous societies, gift economies were a fundamental aspect of social organization. For example, in some Native American societies, food was shared without expectation of return.
Ancient Greece: In ancient Greece, the concept of "charis" referred to the social obligation to reciprocate a gift. However, this obligation was not necessarily tied to a specific return gift, but rather to the maintenance of social relationships.
Traditional societies: In many traditional societies, gift economies were a way of life. For example, in some African societies, cattle were given as gifts to maintain social relationships and to demonstrate wealth.
Critique of the Market Economy
Graeber argues that the market economy, which is based on commodity exchange and reciprocity, is a relatively recent development in human history. He argues that the market economy has led to the erosion of social relationships and the commodification of goods and services."
Talk soon!
Steve
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