Sociology of giving - Berking, Helmuth (Sage Publications, 1999)
Includes bibliographical references (p. [153]-159) and index
"Few of us consider the implicit meanings and messages that accompany the gifts that we give or receive; messages of power, ties and alliances, of rights and duties, as well as social messages conveying status." "Sociology of Giving decodes these and many other meanings by tracing present-day gift-giving to the origins of 'traditional' society. Beginning with contemporary history, Helmuth Berking explores gift-giving, its motives, occasions and rules; he then examines historical concepts such as 'sacrifice', 'food-sharing', and 'gift-giving' as those basic institutions upon which traditional societies have always relied." "Sociology of Giving provides valuable reading for students and teachers of sociology, cultural studies, and for all those interested in cultural anthropology."--Jacket