Synopses & Reviews
Brings together sociological theory on solidarity and anthropological theory on gift exchange.
Synopsis
This book brings together two traditions of thinking about social ties: sociological theory on solidarity and anthropological theory on gift exchange. The main argument, supported by empirical illustrations, is that a theory of solidarity should incorporate some of the core insights from anthropological gift theory.
About the Author
Aafke E. Komter is professor and endowed chair of Comparative Studies of Social Solidarity at Utrecht University, and head of the Department of Social Science at University College, Utrecht. Her articles on informal giving, reciprocity and solidarity, power, morality and gender issues have appeared in international journals such as Sociology, the Journal of Marriage and the Family and the Journal of Family Issues. She is editor of The Gift: An Interdisciplinary Perspective.
Table of Contents
Part I. The gift: meanings and motives: 1. The social meanings of things; 2. Patterns of giving and receiving; 3. The anatomy of gratitude; 4. Women, gifts and power; 5. Social theory and social ties; 6. Solidarity, gifts and exclusion; 7. Family solidarity; Part II. Contemporary solidarity: 8. Changing solidarity; 9. Social solidarity and the gift; References; Index.