ECON 152A University of California Irvine Anthropology Questions

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Economics

ECON 152A

University of California Irvine

ECON

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Topic below. Watch the lecture video and answer them. Need a econ and anthropology expert. I can extend the time if u need

  • Marcel Mauss argued that there is no such thing as a "free gift". What, according to Mauss, are the issues involved in gift giving?
  • Discuss Kula as a total social phenomenon. What do social theorists mean when they speak of a total social phenomenon? What is the basic structure of Kula (how does it work)? In what ways is it a total social phenomenon?
  • What view of human nature is articulated in the term Homo economicus? Contrast the views of Adam Smith and Marcel Mauss on human nature in this regard and its implications for social and economic organization.
  • Discuss the substantivist-formalist debate in Economic Anthropology by contrasting the views of Karl Polanyi and Robbins Burling.
  • What conclusions might we draw about the Substantivist-Formalist Debate itself? Draw from observations by Frank Cancian, Hann & Hart, and lecture to summarize problems of each position. What issues may have been missed entirely by both positions?

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OUTLINE
Topic: Econ Anthropology Essay Questions
Thesis Statement: Answering the questions after watching the video
1. Question 1
2. Question 2
3. Question 3
4. Question 5
5. References


Running head: ANTHROPOLOGY ESSAY QUESTIONS

Anthropology Essay Questions

Student’s Affiliation
Course
Date

1

ANTHROPOLOGY ESSAY QUESTIONS
1.

2

Marcel Mauss argued that there is no such thing as a "free gift". What,

according to Mauss, are the issues involved in gift-giving?

According to Marcel Mauss, there is nothing as a "free gift". Marcel's arguments are
gifts are to be offered with the intention of strengthening mutual ties and solidarity. Since the
gifts that do not promote solidarity are unequal. For Mauss, self-interest and generosity are
associated with the gift-giving act. This is because moral life, material as well as exchange
operate in ways that are both mandatory and impartial (Mauss, 1970 [1925]).
The other issue in gift-giving is the aspect of the reciprocity principle, which is the
inherent supposition of the acknowledgement (Recognition) of another individual as a
potential friend. Since the cultural and social systems wherein archaic communities were
founded are inclined on mutual approval of the other as a partner in gift interchange. The
absence of recognition of an individual and their identity will result to no possibility of
reciprocal exchange (Mauss,1970 [1925]).
Likewise, there is the issue of the reciprocity principle. Mauss talks about threefold
obligations they include the obligation to reciprocate, to give and to receive. The reciprocity
principle is concisely represented in the triple responsibility. Mauss points out that refusing to
give, failing to invite and also refusing to accept is equal to declaring a war. Hence, giftgiving compels one to satisfy the reciprocity principle. This is because reciprocity signifies
the elegant blend of self-interested worry with social life needs. For Mauss, self-interest and
generosity are associated with gifting act meaning that the assumption that egoism and
altruism are never conflicting in the gift-giving action is exceptionally illuminating. This is
because gifts hold a superb feature of a human being at a time free and compulsory, and selforiented and altruistic. The double sidedness depicted in gift-giving makes it such a lucky
solution for insecurity and fragility in any emerging social relationship, hence the reason by
Mauss claims there is nothing as a free gift (Mauss,1970 [1925]).

ANTHROPOLOGY ESSAY QUESTIONS
2.

3

Discuss Kula as a total social phenomenon. What do social theorists mean when

they speak of a total social phenomenon? What is the basic structure of Kula (how does
it work)? In what ways is it a total social phenomenon?
Social theorist defines a total social phenomenon as a phenomenon that at the same
time, expresses a range of different institutions types. Therefore, it characterizes the
economic systems of cultures, laws, political ethos, as well as other cultural principles. Kula
ring comprises of eighteen island groups of archipelago Massim with Trobriand Island and
many more members. Individuals at times move using canoes in exchange of Kula materials
such as red shell disc necklaces sold in the north that require counterclockwise circling of the
Kula ring. Also, white shell armbands merchandized to the south that involves
counterclockwise spinning of the Kula ring. In case the original offer was armband, the final
gift will avoidably be necklace, and the vice versa applies. The terms for participation depend
across expanses. An example Trobraind Island exchanges ruler’s monopoly power, while the
Dobu has about hundred to one-fifty individuals taking part in the exchange (Maurer, 2015)

Kula as a total phenomenon

Kula is more of a gift, but it is as well signified to currency. Whenever Kula travels, it
acquires new tales and spread it across to place it travels. Besides, the veneration that an
individual has for Kula is dependent on the quantity he/she sends. Hence, Kula holds a sociopolitical as well as economic implication such that in its absence, radical changes will be
evident. Therefore, Kula is a total social phenomenon that impacts the lives of people in
different ways. Since Kula represents a currency or a gift, it means it is more valuable and
has got a high reverence among the community members. Undoubtedly, gifts and currency or
money are very influential aspects of society such that without them, a community cannot be

ANTHROPOLOGY ESSAY QUESTIONS

4

complete. Kula is necessary for social, economic and political aspects of this society as it
holds several impacts; hence it is a total phenomenon (Malinowski, 1922).

3.What view of human nature is articulated in the term Homo economicus? Contrast
the views of Adam Smi...


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