Social Solidarity and the Gift

This book brings together sociological theory on solidarity and anthropological theory on gift exchange.

Aafke E. Komter (Author)

9780521841009, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 November 2004

246 pages, 1 b/w illus. 12 tables
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.45 kg

'The book is interdisciplinary in intent, seeking to bring together sociological and anthropological theory (on solidarity and the gift respectively) into a productive synthesis. … Social Solidarity and the Gift is a thoughtful exploration of where it is that kindness gets you, and will be of use and interest to a wide social scientific audience …' Journal of Social Anthropology

This book brings together two traditions of thinking about social ties: sociological theory on solidarity and anthropological theory on gift exchange. The purpose of the book is to explore both how theoretical traditions may complete and enrich each other, and how they may illuminate transformations in solidarity. The main argument, supported by empirical illustrations, is that a theory of solidarity should incorporate some of the core insights from anthropological gift theory. The book presents a theoretical model covering both positive and negative - selective and excluding - aspects and consequences of solidarity. It is concluded that over the past century solidarity has undergone a fundamental transformation, from Durkheim's 'organic' solidarity to a type of solidarity which can be called 'segmented': separate, autonomous social segments connecting with other segments, no longer out of necessity and mutual dependency but on the basis of individual choice. Solidarity has, thereby, become more noncomittal.

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.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC], Social & political philosophy [HPS]