Gift Giving A Social Phenomenon

The psychology of projection and engagement relates itself to the gift economy because it serves a foundation in the creation of a relationship. Lethem introduces the concept of

In the Maasai community and as in mine, marriage is considered very important. However, when two people are brought together to become a husband and wife in the Maasai community, the newlyweds are expected to live with each other forever; divorce is not an option.Once the Maasai man has chosen and paid for his wife he is then allowed to bring gifts to the woman's family. By first giving the presents as he sees fit, to a final point where it will become clear to those in the community that he has taken an interest in the well-being of the girl's family and that she is not to be readily available. These gifts the Maasai man has given to the girl will create the bride-to-be’s dowry, the purpose of which is not to create wealth for the bride's family, but rather to legalize the marriage. By the man putting his mark on that family, he is making itso that if anyone else tries to approach the family and offer a bride price, it will have been made clear that the girl has already been given away to another family and is spoken for. Like that of an engagement ring or wedding band worn by both the men and women in my community, as it is displaying to everyone that they are spoken for and are not available to others in the community.

The author attempts to show that without money, Old Bill, Billy and Caitlin can still enjoy each other’s company. The Simple Gift attempts to demonstrate that money and status doesn’t buy love or friends. From the relationship of Old Bill and Billy, The Simple Gift shows us that there is no money needed to have a great friendship. We find out through the connection of Billy and Caitlin that money doesn’t buy love and through the relationship of Old Bill and Caitlin, money is not needed for an enjoyable time.

Gifting not only takes a colossal role in the human existence, but also plays a significant role in Beowulf. Gifting has existed from the creation of the human race. From the beginning, the human race has always gifted each other in some form to show their appreciation, loyalty, respect, etc. For example, today, we gift each other on birthdays and Christmas to show our appreciation

The anthropology of gifts has been mostly studied in the context of non-Western cultures. The important roles of gift giving were highlighted by classical anthropologists such as Malinowski, Mauss and Levi-Strauss. They stressed the significance of reciprocity and obligation suggested in gift exchange and that gift giving is a one practice of material expression that integrates a society.

The receiver of the gift is better off in a utilitarian sense, if he chooses not to return the favor. Yet why does he have the desire to repay? Why does receiving a gift put him at a social disadvantage? The economy of gift of Bataille differs from Nietzsche’s creditor-debtor relationship with regard to the psychology behind these two dynamics. While Bataille delved into the mentality of the giver, who has the upper hand in this power relation, Nietzsche focused on the psychology of the debtor. Bataille construed the economy of gifting as an act out of man’s “animal factor” that goes beyond the want of acquisition – a human instinct to win and to overpower. It is in man’s nature to covet “prestige, glory and rank” (Bataille, 1997, p. 376), yet they do not come without comparison and competition. Thus, the giver of the gift has to deliberately create a rivalry, and thus, an inequality that favors himself in order to acquire prestige, glory and rank. It is this desire for superiority that gives man the ultimate incentive to give away his wealth. Gifting is to win by losing. It also explains the increment value in the return of the gift, for the receiver of the initial gift not only wants to recover his equality with the initial giver, but also to overpower him, to defeat him. The same desire that fuels the endless cycle of gifting rituals like moka and potlatch. One good potlatch deserves another, and

The exchange of gifts between family members and friends is the commercial aspect of the holiday which has been embraced by shop-owners of large and small businesses. Spending money

In his article, Reciprocity and the Power of Giving, Lee Cronk discusses the different cultural meanings placed upon the act of gift giving. The act of exchanging of gifts has many unique implications, which are based on the culture of the giver and the recipient. Cronk discusses the idea of reciprocity, which is the expectance of exchange associated with gift giving. Cronk brings up the example of “Indian Gifts” which was a term that white settlers connected to the Native American people’s expectation of receiving an equivalent gift after being given one. This expectation is rooted into the culture of the Native American people, which was misunderstood by the settlers. The real implication of

I should also think about the timing of these gifts and the relationship with the owner. In this situation I would actually accept this gift. To me it seems like me and the owner has developed some sort of relationship outside of professional parameters. He knows of or maybe even has met my family. It is Christmas Eve and he took the time to think of my family and I, presenting us with a gift. It is a holiday and I do not see a difference between the owner giving me a gift on Christmas and a teacher getting a gift on teacher appreciation day. I would present him with a gift as well.

But giving has a different meaning than others would expect. Giving is something you do for someone you admire or care about. It’s showing that person how much they mean to you. It doesn’t matter if you give lots or little. What matters most is the thought.

The Lord Giveth, and the Lord Maketh Responsible The word “gift” according to the Oxford American Dictionary means “a thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.” According to Flannery O'Connor, author of Mystery and Manners, “A gift of any kind is a considerable responsibility” (Shreve). In today's world, a gift can very easily become categorized as something wrapped up and presented to someone on a special day.

(171) Patico argues that cost now determines the logic of values in informal exchanges, but the gift given, and the attention to what gift is selected, has not changed.

We hear it all the time “it’s better to give than to receive,” from our parents, teachers, preachers, everybody we look up to for guidance and advice, but until you experience it first hand—it’s just words!

Gift giving is also very important to the Singaporeans and shows a sign of respect. There are a few do’s and don’ts when giving gifts some of these are no giving of alcohol, scissors, knives as they are associated with killing. No handkerchief or clocks as they are associated with death. A gift may be refused three times before accepting as this shows that the receiver is not greedy. This is important for us when both giving and receiving gifts. Gift giving is a sign of respect and if we want to have a good relationship during our business dealings it is important that we follow through with these traditions.

Religious beliefs soon formed new values as the importance of gift giving became a ‘tradition’ among religions. In most religions helping others who could not help themselves was already a steadfast belief. As people’s values of wanting to help and give to others started to intertwine with the calendar holidays many people started to look for newer and better gift ideas for their loved ones and soon strangers as well. Christian’s predominantly could be found buying minuscule little gift items, such as notebook paper, pencils, and ribbons, for the homeless children, their families and the poorer community that could not provide for themselves during the holiday seasons.