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Keith Whitaker - Cycle of the Gift

The Inheritance Podcast

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The Cycle of the Gift in Anthropology and Community Bonding

The cycle of the gift, as described in Marcel Mauss's anthropology, emphasizes the reciprocity and community bonding aspects of gift-giving. It suggests that a gift is never complete without a form of return or regifting by the recipient, thus binding communities together. According to Mauss, if the cycle of giving is interrupted and a gift stops with a recipient without being passed along, it can have a negative impact, like a poisonous spirit, making the recipient feel disconnected and confused about the purpose of the gift. This concept resonates with real-life experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding and maintaining the cycle of giving for meaningful community relationships.

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