Social Solidarity and the Gift

by Aafke E. Komter

Bringing together two traditions of thinking about social ties (sociological theory on solidarity and anthropological theory on gift exchange), this book explores how both traditions may complete and enrich each other, and clarifies transformations in solidarity. Supported by empirical illustrations, it assumes that a theory of solidarity should incorporate some of the core insights from anthropological gift theory. The volume presents a theoretical model covering both positive and negative--selective and excluding--aspects and consequences of solidarity.

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2004

Reviews

[Lenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this book for one of my courses at the uni. Quite happy with the professors' choice! Nicely written, easy to understand :)

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, easy and clear summaries of major works, nice presentation for a unified anthropological and social theory... really good stuff.