Gift-giving might be a practice that exists (and has existed) in all human societies, which is not to say that commodities are universal. What is the difference between a gift and a commodity? Reflecting upon both the reading and personal experience, is gift giving ONLY about giving a gift? Or, are there other components in this form of exchange? How do the rules of gift-giving reinforce interpersonal solidarity (or not)?
Required texts: The Gift by Mauss
