Gift economy

A gift economy, gift culture, or gift exchange is a mode of exchange where valuables are not traded or sold, but rather given without an explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards. This contrasts with a barter economy or a market economy, where goods and services are primarily exchanged for value received. Social norms and custom govern gift exchange. Gifts are not given in an explicit exchange of goods or services for money or some other commodity.

The nature of gift economies forms the subject of a foundational debate in anthropology. Anthropological research into gift economies began with Bronisław Malinowski's description of the Kula ring in the Trobriand Islands during World War I. The Kula trade appeared to be gift-like since Trobrianders would travel great distances over dangerous seas to give what were considered valuable objects without any guarantee of a return. Malinowski's debate with the French anthropologist Marcel Mauss quickly established the complexity of "gift exchange" and introduced a series of technical terms such as reciprocity, inalienable possessions, and prestation to distinguish between the different forms of exchange.

Latest News for: Gift exchange games

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How to watch 2025 Oregon football spring game: TV channel, streaming info, kickoff time

Statesman Journal 24 Apr 2025
The spring game will feature a military appreciation theme, including a halftime tribute to Gold Star Families, in-game veteran recognitions, an F-15 flyover, the annual postgame gift exchange between the Oregon football team and active duty military, and many displays and activities around Autzen Stadium hosted by the United States Armed Forces....
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This Canucks fan crocheted a shark for Conor Garland and went viral

North Shore News 10 Apr 2025
Miranda Anton got one of the final spots along the glass for warm-up ahead of the Vancouver Canucks game against the Utah Hockey Club on March 16 ... Gift exchange completed ... It made for an extremely memorable experience for Miranda, though she felt the gift exchange was a little bit unbalanced....

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