ANTH 111 - Cultural Anthropology - Topic 5 & 6 - Subsistence & Economics

What are the 3 principles of distribution?

1. Reciprocity (personal)

2. Redistribution

3. Market Exchange (daily)

What is a key thing to note about the 3 principles of distribution?

They can be present in the same society BUT govern different transactions

What is reciprocity?

A mode of distribution made by the exchange of goods and services of somewhat equal value between both parties

What are the 3 types of reciprocity?

**based on the amount of return that is expected & relationship of those involved

1. Generalized reciprocity (=)

2. Balanced reciprocity (=)

3. Negative reciprocity (≠)

What is general reciprocity?

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

It is the act of giving without the expectation of instant repayment.

Main form amongst foragers

Done cross-culturally among close friends & family

What is balanced reciprocity?

The equal exchange of goods or services between two parties with the expectation of an immediate or timely return of equal value.

It is commonly seen in friendships and trade, where both sides benefit fairly.

Ex. gift giving & birthday parties — if I go to your party and I give you a gift, then at my party you do the same

What is negative reciprocity?

Attempting to GET MORE than WHAT YOU CAN GIVE

Ex. gambling, theft, exploitation

What is delayed reciprocity?

A long lag time between giving and receiving

How is delayed reciprocity related to the Trobriand Island and the Kula ring?

Key feature of the Kula ring, a ceremonial exchange system among the Trobriand Islanders and other groups in the Pacific.

In the Kula exchange, participants trade shell necklaces (soulava) clockwise and armbands (mwali) counterclockwise across islands, often receiving an item but only reciprocating with a return gift much later, sometimes years afterward.

This delayed reciprocity helps build long-term alliances, social status, and trust among participants rather than focusing on immediate economic gain.

What is redistribution?

It requires a centralized social organization

Accumulated wealth - collected from everyone then reallocated in a different pattern

GOAL: redistribute food & goods in a way that everyone gets a portion

ex. Taxes, Food Banks

What is potlatch and how is it related to redistribution?

A ceremonial feast practiced by Indigenous groups of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Kwakwaka’wakw and Tlingit, where wealth and goods are generously given away or destroyed to demonstrate status and reinforce social hierarchy.

It is related to redistribution because the chief or host collects resources and then redistributes them among guests, ensuring wealth circulation within the community while reinforcing social obligations and political power.

STAGES:

The stages of a potlatch typically include:

1. Preparation – The host (usually a chief) gathers wealth, such as food, blankets, copper, and other valuables, often over several years. Invitations are sent to guests from different clans or villages.

2. Ceremonial Display – The event begins with speeches, storytelling, dances, and rituals to honor the host’s ancestors and reaffirm social status. Wealthy families may showcase their possessions before redistribution.

3. Gift Giving (Redistribution) – The host distributes goods among the guests based on rank and status, strengthening alliances and social ties. Sometimes, valuable items are intentionally destroyed to display power and generosity.

4. Feasting and Celebration – A communal feast follows, accompanied by performances, singing, and dancing that highlight the host's prestige and the cultural significance of the event.

5. Reciprocity and Obligation – Guests who receive gifts are expected to host their own potlatches in the future, continuing the cycle of wealth redistribution and reinforcing social relationships.

What are market exchanges?

A mode of distribution where goods and services are bought and sold. Their value is determined by supply & demand.

Can be large or small, permanent or periodic

Markets = form of social networking for small scale societies

Doesn’t always involve $$

What is barter and how is it related to market exchanges?

The direct exchange of goods or services without using money. It relies on mutual agreement between parties to determine the value of what is being traded.

Related to market exchanges because both involve the transfer of goods and services, but market exchanges typically use a standardized currency. While barter is common in traditional and informal economies, market exchanges dominate modern economies due to the convenience of money.

What is consumption?

Intake & Output

What are the 2 main modes of consumption?

1. Minimalism

• Few & limited consumer demands

• Achievable with little effort

• Foragers, sometimes horticulturalists & pastoralists

• Original Affluent Society

2. Consumerism

• Many & infinite demands

• Somewhat achievable, but never sufficient

• From colonialism, globalization, other forms of expansion

• Feature of industrial economy

What are the other 2 modes of consumption?

1. Personalized Consumption

   • Products are made by the consumers themselves or by someone the consumer know on a personal level

   • Foraging, horticulture, pastoralist

2. Depersonalized Consumption

   • Consumers don’t know who produce the goods for them —> leads to exploitation of workers

   • Industrial Agriculture