What is a gift economy? - Alex Gendler

View full lesson: ed.ted.com/less...
What if, this holiday season, instead of saying "thank you" to your aunt for her gift of a knitted sweater, the polite response expected from you was to show up at her house in a week with a better gift? Or to vote for her in the town election? Or let her adopt your firstborn child? Alex Gendler explains how all of these things might not sound so strange if you were involved in a gift economy.
Lesson by Alex Gendler, animation by Avi Ofer.

[@madman99bad]

I love TED_ED but it always leaves me with more questions than answers .

[@nicholoussilva5289]

Me too, I kept wondering if that was the point. Give us enough to want to start the conversation ourselves

[@shreyaprakash]

I like ted Ed as it leaves me with more questions than answers

[@pollytheparrot46]

so giving really is better than receiving. Because when you give something, the person you give it to is now in your debt. Conversely, if you receive a gift, then you are in debt. Giving is a market strategy then.

[@pollytheparrot46]

Julian Ross You're taking this too seriously. I'm pretty sure i was being sarcastic when i wrote that.

[@JJ63428]

Yah, this video has presented a completely incorrect picture of the gift economy.

[@childofthemotherearth4963]

No, it is not sarcastic but the mistake of the video maker without clear understanding of the Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligations or reciprocity. Rather there is motive of living interconnected life and well being of everyone. There is not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

@@childofthemotherearth4963 No its implicit not explicit.

[@deadinside7750]

It's not a market strategy most of the time -as markets are a relatively new and unusual in the history of human societies.

[@elenasmith753]

This reminds me a lot of my group of friends where we never really keep track of how much we spend on one another but we always "get each other back next time". For example I would pay for my friends coffee if she was running late for class and not expect her to pay me back. Then some time later she might pay for my uber, it may not be the exact same cost as the coffee but since we have this social connection we called it "even". Essentially we'd "pay each other back" with a series of trades over the course of our friendship.

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading to actual Gift Economy concept. In your case, that's how the interconnected, interdependent life works. It is how real friendship works. You are lucky to have such friend. Many of us live Gift Economy in small family and in friend circle. But...... Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade and you said it as trade in your comment. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help anyway, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@Z3t487]

@@pret1102 Who is going to maintain the internet and the servers in a Gift economy? And going to mine the resources to make new computers when the old ones stop working?

[@voicelessglottalfricative6567]

​@@Z3t487People who enjoy operating the machinery to mine, or enjoy server maintenance, or enjoy repairing/building computers. You might not enjoy it, that can't be said for other people. Consumer culture wouldn't be a thing, though, so computers probably wouldn't be as prevalent as current society dictates

[@tristramgardner8975]

Loved the story of the island people sharing beautiful items and staying close. After living in two gift economy communities, I can say that the feeling of support was very tangible. In the context of things we needed and used daily, like cooking, cleaning, repairing and building, seeing things taken care of without any worry for return felt great. When we share resources, then we all get to enjoy greater variety of experiences and products. I'm still unsure how this could work in a larger sense though. With such a huge community in a given city or nation, how does, for example, a coffee shop manage to keep afloat with hundreds of people visiting every day. Is there a sharing infrastructure going on under the surface? Perhaps it could be a universal income..? I'd like to hear from someone who has any ideas. For sure if the work we do reflects what we'd like to contribute to the world, rather than just trying to get some money together, then we'd probably progress well and not destroy our home in the process.

[@pret1102]

Loved your comment and glad to hear someone lived in 2 gift economy communities. I like to know which where those communities? There are many people thinking for how to implement it on wider scale or worldwide..( There are videos and books about it as well. ) I am one of them, already wrote a book about it. I would like to add those 2 community names in my book as reference. 😊😊😊

[@boxbird5723]

The thing is, it can't really work on a larger scale as it's too inefficient at allocation of resources on that scale. If you're trying to produce something like a frying pan, you have to mine all the resources, smelt the metal then learn how to make it all by yourself, or you have to hope someone can gift you some of those specific resources by chance so you can put them together. Now think of trying to build something as complex as a car, or a computer, it will be near impossible because of the resources and specific parts you need to build the product. It will become exponentially harder to produce basic goods and services and it will be unlikely that the world we know will look and work fundamentally the same as it does right now. This is a great way to strengthen bonds in a tightly knit community and may produce a better quality of life in that sense, on a wider scale it's unfortunately just not a great idea.

[@CounterFlow64]

@@boxbird5723 That's why many libertarian socialist ideas actually want to organize the world in communities, while dropping the idea of nations etc. These communities are very interconnected and organized, yet they are very self sufficient. Mutual aid/gift economy would work much better then.

[@vicnetc5964]

FBI: So it seems that you've given the president two $40 million dollar houses and two weeks later you were appointed as vice president. Me: oh yeah that's just uh...gift economy

[@childofthemotherearth4963]

That's where this video misleads or incorrectly represents the Gift Economy.

[@childofthemotherearth4963]

Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity . If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of delayed trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help anyway you help without any hidden agenda. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. It is not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@vincentbleuze5088]

All anthropological research (Mauss' essay on the gift for example) points towards the fact that there is the obligation to return (besides the obligation to receive and to give). When this obligation is not fulfilled bad things (either spiritual or physical) will happen to the breaker of the "contract". This is also why Derrida argued that a pure gift is the impossible, since as soon as a gift is recognized as a gift it comes with these obligations and it becomes indeed a form of delayed trade.

[@MansionByBeach1]

There is already a gift economy online..there is Patreaon, and the donations to keep up Wikipedia are also like gifts

[@keepthefaith9805]

that’s only online and for a few. Now, try and think how to apply that to every human on Earth.

[@ibpn4284]

politicians and corporations have this down to a fine art.

[@thomasrosati5939]

@Nij Jin Yeah dude we need to reduce the size of government to disincentivize lobbying and make it less impactful.

[@vladutcornel]

It feels natural to me: If someone gave me something on my birthday, I feel obligated to give them something in return on their birthday.

[@ChitranjanBaghiofficial]

yeah try running a factory or multi national corporation with such a system.

[@TotallyLearning]

one time I forgot to gift someone something in return... Years later I still feel guilty.

[@shivanygonell572]

@@TotallyLearning I so agree...obligation....never leads to freedom

[@Kaleidalee]

@@ChitranjanBaghiofficial Neither of those things should exist anyway. They’re both inherently destructive and oppressive symptoms of capitalism.

[@ChitranjanBaghiofficial]

@@Kaleidalee what is destructive and oppressive in capitalism?

[@tzm_tvp_rbe5808]

Lots of people here are missing what a gift economy is all about due to being indoctrinated into the trade economy. A gift economy works the same as a trade economy except for one major difference; you give without an expectation of something in return. For example, lets say you are a barber, you cut someone's hair. That person that received the gift of a hair cut is a truck driver, they deliver goods to the local grocery store. The local grocery store is stocked by another person, one day, the barber comes in, picks up some groceries and goes home. There is no trade, barter, exchange at all going on, the barber gives haircuts, but in return, he receives vastly more in return (a comfy home, food, drink, other goods and services provided by others). It works exactly the same as a trade based economy except for the aforementioned no expectation on receiving something in return. Hope this helps.

[@pret1102]

Nicely explained but let's define it differently.. Everything we do is selfish but it is collective selfish in Gift Economy. If whole world people get abundance, I and you both will get that, too. Gift Economy is cooperative, interdependent existance. We give what we can. Others give what they can to sustain the life. The way you explained, it will form a circle of gifts. And everyone benefited. Everyone get what they want without trade or obligations. In Gift Economy there is not Me and Mine but We and Ours. If everyone thrives, means I too. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade.

[@reiismycope]

So what if the barber goes into the store and just takes everything? That system can't work because most people will simply not abide the rules. Humans are egoistic and selfish.

[@yukip8312]

Perhaps the gift economy came before market economy in prehistoric times So Subsistence->gift->exchange->planned->mixed economy

[@Rouverius]

I see strong signs of a gift economy here in Japan. It is a bit more formalized than in the presentation. For example, the price is clearly displayed on the gift so you know how much to pay for a return gift. Also, it seems typically only for relationships outside your family and close friends (ex. neighbors, co-workers, etc.).

[@pret1102]

😁😁😁 That's why this video is misleading the actual Gift Economy. But good news is you have one really good model of Gift Economy in Japan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4TaZGeLmZ5se80

[@Khan0156]

this is classic market relations, not gift economy, lol

[@Z3t487]

The price on a gift? So you know how much to pay for a return gift? Sounds like trade.

[@jillssecretgarden]

Giving for the purpose of the joy it returns to self makes sense. A reciprocated or obligatory gift is not a gift.

[@pret1102]

Absolutely.. This is misleading video.. !! Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is an obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade.

[@matthewlounsbury4824]

I would have loved to see mentioned the gift economy that runs alongside our political process. They make a gift economy seem like a folksy quaint idea, perhaps not recognizing social privilege, networking and outright political contributions as a major force in the world.

[@VinylToVideo]

"Adopt your first born child?!?" ... uh... WTF?

[@thotsona]

Hereditary vibes

[@dominiclarratt9968]

Food can sometimes be hard to come by. Why are you so shocked about it?

[@JJ63428]

Yah, the first minute of this video gets it completely wrong. Its BS.

[@mikeballspeaker]

In memory of Your beauty My life I Give to you A gift that You once gave me So long Ago

[@childofthemotherearth4963]

There is no obligation of any kind in Gift Economy.

[@requiemforamerica8432]

the reason why this self important video gets a thumbs down is because market economy doesn't actually preclude gift economy. Sometimes what is exchanged are indeed, "favors/gifts" rather than simply cash. And human relationships are ALWAYS important in a market economy, since you liking a particular shop keeper would keep you going to shop at his/her store rather than other stores.

[@FriendlyHugo]

The 12 seconds starting at 2:43 says exactly that (that these economies are not mutually exclusive). 2:50 : "and when we think about it, parts of our own societies work in similar ways".

[@requiemforamerica8432]

***** actually it doesn't need much thinking to figure it out - the layout of the video itself is problematic - that the whole thing was presented as if it was something soooo radically different from what we do - then saying "when we think about it it's similar" is actually laughable - because it's SO OBVIOUSLY similar to what we do.

[@MarkLucasProductions]

NoName NoFame Surely the market economy promotes and even necessitates dishonesty and deception. Yes, I prefer to do business with someone who seems nicer but they know that and set about misrepresenting themselves in order to profit from my gullibility. I had never given thought to the concept of a gift economy and did not know they even existed however I did have a dream several years ago which presented me with a solution to all of the world's problems - It was essentially the adoption of a gift economy.

[@requiemforamerica8432]

Mark Lucas 1) so long as the shopkeeper isn't selling you bad merchandise why would you be upset that he might not be as "nice" as he seems??? whether he is nice or not, people quickly stop buying from merchants who sell them crap items and charge them more than the next guy 2) the most dangerous scenario about misrepresentation is politicians and big government - look at how much obama promised us regarding transparent government! and once he is in office he goes after more whistleblowers than all previous administrations COMBINED. THIS is the most dangerous way in which deception will destroy our lives because politicians will put in place laws that will take away your freedom and set laws that will force you to spend your money in certain ways ie. paying for our own mass surveillance - that you HAVE NO CHOICE OVER. In free market, once we have CHOICE - also in free market we find it important to make friends and allies - with friends that i choose we are always pooling resources together - of our own FREE VOLITION because we all benefit when we pool our resources together - thus gift economy is actually a PART of free market economy - in free market, what is exchanged isn't just cash - we can choose to exchange WHATEVER we want, because that is the FREEDOM we have - thus the term free market economy - as opposed to big government controlled economy, which is what the US economy is becoming more and more - with the government directly controlling more than 50% of the economy including regulations costs, which have balloooned up so much under obama that it's now bigger than the entire GDP of canada or India.

[@MarkLucasProductions]

NoName NoFame Fair points but not directly relevant to my comment. As for being 'nice' my point is that humanity would be a whole different creature if people were primarily motivated by something other than greed.

[@alexteacher7826]

Great video! Alex Gendler framed the lesson very well. I thought the wording describing the Kula ring could have been simplified though

[@theokirkley]

This is conniving. Gifts are given without thought of return.

[@Whatever-mx3bt]

I mean it's pretty simple, often creating stuff for free allows others to build up on that via inspiration, it's how we've evolved to become so successful at building and creating things.

[@mr.xyzzzz5758]

The phrase "nothing is free"

[@fatmaakyurek9432]

Isn't it how the bribe system works too?

[@SC-hk6ui]

Bribes only happen in the presence of a currency that give one party power over another, non-mutual trade (J. M. Keynes). When power is shared as a gift it has intrinsic and largely idiosyncratic wealth; It cannot be commoditised. Therefore a shall arm band is closer to a peer-to-peer agreement on future debt, such as the debt owned by one chief to provide shelter, food and reception to their family or village; they involve future causal arrangements. If we view money as an artifact, similar in nature, then these deeds could quantified monetarily. However, the nature of Kula trade is to deliberately avoid quantification wealth, and comparisons to bribes have a different axiology. Your comparison to bribes works on an ontological sense within your perception only. Man is the measure of all things. So in answer to your question, yes conceptually they are the same thing to you, but academically, theoretically, and actually (actus reus) they are not bribes.

[@robertjarman3703]

Bribery would be involved in changing the behaviour such that you get something that you want that is not given on an equal basis. For example imagine if grandma gave all her grandchildren a knitted scarf for Christmas. That wouldn't be distribution on an unequal basis, or abusing your trust in someone. You do have to be careful when you design gift economies to preclude abuse of power like this, and bribes and informal trades of various kinds of like nepotism and patronage are certainly among those things that can be given. For example, the group deciding on whether a gift should be accepted should try to be independent from the person using the gift, for example separating the role of chair and treasurer in an organization. Disclosure of gifts and the record of transactions can also help. Independent and sortition processes in the selection of individuals and groups in order to base their selection based on merit is also useful, like the way that a standardized exam used to select civil servants is very important. Some officials can be forbidden from receiving certain types of gifts even when the general public might use them, for example legislators forbidden from trading in the stocks of contractors to the government. Stocks are probably not technically gifts but you can imagine various other things being used as gifts like if the spouse of a legislator was given a position on their board of directors.

[@jghifiversveiws8729]

@@SC-hk6ui DEEP.

[@II-cq5gb]

Just saying...people should reject the bribes.

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@anita-rw3mx]

Now imagine how amazing it would be if gift economy would not focus on luxury items but on basic needs.

[@pret1102]

I read comments and I understand how this video misleads to actual Gift Economy. Real Gift Economy is never focused on luxury. It is focused on cooperative, interdependent existance. Just the way we live in a small family. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone.

[@remotefaith]

@@pret1102 No, there is absolutely a 'hidden agenda', that of expecting or implying future reciprocation

[@omarct]

So many close minded individuals in the comment section. A very nice video Ted-Ed. I have actually understood this concept since I was around 13.

[@virgiliaspight4482]

I always love buzzfeed and TED-Ed

[@virgiliaspight4482]

:3

[@abrahemsamander3967]

This is incredibly interesting to learn about but I’m skeptical of its application in real life. Maybe in certain market places.

[@sambaj7276]

So sheldon was right about gift?

[@osaurus]

The gift circle, & the many new forms of gift economy emerging on the Internet, are ways of reclaiming human relationships from the market.

[@mduduzinkala5729]

A gift ceases to be a gift once there is an expectation of a return, it is no-longer out of kindness, it becomes a product of trade. This stands regardless of whether the said gift is a good or a service, or in form of money.

[@pret1102]

This vedio is misleading the actual concept of Gifteconomy ! Good to see that few people here understand it.

[@toho4352]

The title of the video be like “Give and Take” in 2 minutes

[@КириллБелоусов-с1м]

Skyeng: relations trading social material preconditions recipients favour relationship gained

[@JJ63428]

The initial 40 seconds of this video present a completely incorrect picture of the gift economy. And there is so much else wrong with this video. Completely inaccurate depiction of the gift economy. The gift economy is about people in a community taking care of each other. Its not all about a physical object exchanging hands or people feeling they owe someone else a debt.

[@pret1102]

I was sad seeing this video and I felt this was intentionally made and put in suggested video section of youtube getting so many views. True.. it totally misleads the concept and you can very well read in comments what people got the impression of it. 😟

[@Gisiebob]

yeah I feel this video hamstrings itself in its perspective, that economy must be coercive, and acions must be done for the sake of returns.

[@habojspade]

Thank you for making this. This helped me finally tie in Jacques Derrida's idea of "The Gift" to the play about the sexual objectification of others I'm directing.

[@vincentbleuze5088]

What a wild play it must have been, hope it went well

[@sarahdunham5176]

Burning Man........interesting example, given the chaos that ensued with the initial concept.

[@Zeel_BTS]

I once suggested my classmates to do a gift exchange and they just punched me down with "Just say you want gifts" :3

[@pret1102]

😁😁😁 This vedio is misleading the concept of Gift Economy. When you say let's do gift exchange, it goes to reciprocity or obligation. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity . If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of delayed trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help anyway you help without any hidden agenda. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. It is not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@ДимитърИванов-д3ш]

My opinion about the difference between market economy and giving gifts is that, in market economy, we give something, and expect to receive something else at the moment, or later in the future(or we pay for something(not a gift) we received earlier) while in general we give a gift to say thanks for something we already received(another gift, love, a good gesture, appreciation etc., etc.,) . And if you give a "gift" expecting to receive back a gift or something else, love, appreciation etc., etc., it is not really a gift, it is payment or investment. So what is the difference between payment for something you received and giving a gift, since both you do for the same purpose(because someone else gave you something)? The difference is that when it is a payment it is expected and necessary while giving a gift is not necessary and you kind of do it because you feel the need to do it, nobody else but you feel the need for the gift you are giving. And I think there is also one another case. In this case you receive right after the moment of the giving the gift - the good feeling for doing something good. When you do something, for the one reason, the happiness of the other person will make you feel good too.

[@pret1102]

That's really one of good comment to read so far.. Sorry to say that... this video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. ( Good feeling what we get is byproduct ) 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@wiizzpl4718]

"What if the polite responce would be [...] to vote for her in the town election" Bribe. That's called a bribe.

[@marko9005]

Alot of boomers here arguing lol

[@arathisuraj856]

This is very informative! Thanks, TED Ed!!

[@pret1102]

But.... this video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. It is cooperative, interdependent existance. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@yazzze]

Where do the regifter fit in

[@vinfinity8940]

I was raised with the idea that I must refuse accepting a gift if possible because it makes us indebted to them and to give out less expensive gifts especially to adults who are not close because it makes them indebted to us in a thought of returning something of the same cost or more.

[@abandonedchannel281]

Open Source Software is basically gift economy.

[@chakraqi6887]

What is a gift economy _Alex gendler

[@The_Dcoder]

I respect Open Source developers... The best part is that I am myself an open source developer :-) . . . . . . . . . :-P

[@pret1102]

👍👍👍👍👍👍😊

[@subh1]

I think more interesting than a "gift economy" will be a "charity economy". In the former, as the narrator mentions, there is a hidden expectation+obligation of a gift in return. But the reason people do charity is much more subtle. There is also a hidden expectation in charity, but that expectation (or at least a significant component of it -- the one besides immediate publicity/fame) is truly impersonal. Typically it is the expectation to find the society around oneself to be in a better condition, which, in the long run, will of course benefit the individual's business (or the future of it).

[@pret1102]

I read comments and I understand how this video misleads to actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@ycy2036]

wait do you mean someone would actually pay for WinRar?

[@GeneralArmorus]

Why do we even need WinRar when we have 7zip? Don't produce more if the original works well enough. Improve the community projects.

[@ShawnRavenfire]

We're already in this type of economy. Wealthy entrepreneurs often run major charity events and try to outdo each other. Businesses will publicly support charities (like giving a few bucks to breast-cancer research, and then painting their signs pink to let everyone know), so that their public image will improve. Non-profit organizations give out free gifts (usually stationaries) before asking for donations. Corporate interests give campaign contributions to political candidates in the hopes of getting special benefits later (which is technically not bribery, even though it totally is).

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@shikhasourav1612]

Such a good one . helped me to understand Mauss The gift

[@pret1102]

Yes, you understand what Mauss's Gift Economy concept but not actual Gift Economy. Sorry to say this video misleads to actual Gift Economy concept. Yes, everything we do is selfish but it is collective selfish in Gift Economy. If whole world people get abundance, I and you both will get that, too. Gift Economy is cooperative, interdependent existance. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy there is not Me and Mine but We and Ours. If everyone thrives, means I too.

[@namelast440]

i wish i saw this 8 hours ago before my anthropology quiz 💀

[@soumyanilroy72]

The animation is that of a Roald Dahl book.

[@kennethdetablan9598]

Sheldon Cooper would agree.

[@bethra.flowers]

This is not the purist form of a Gifting Economy. The VENUS PROJECT is a better example where resource management is a key component.

[@mikeballspeaker]

it,s sound like share economy.

[@KaiserAfini]

Isn't guanxi a term for this kind of gift economy?

[@felixthecrazy]

LOL, sounds like a pyramid scheme of guilt.

[@user-ez5vq9fd2t]

The one who refuses to gift back is the winner and sit on the top of the pyramid.

[@ani_adios]

Cat the Turtle no, becuase the one who refuses to gift back will not earn new gifts, for he is knowen as one who will not gift back. he will sit on the top for a short time, and then fall to the bottom, and will have to climb back up slowly, as he gains more and more trust, and becoming the normal "gift me I'll gift you back" guy

[@fnog9]

felixthecrazy lol!! the perfect summation.

[@JavierBenitez-qt8ki]

It's not a pyramid. Because everyone put the same to first time and finish with the same quantity than othera

[@AndroidSpirit]

P no, the one who refuses to gift is shunned by the community and exiled. Meaning, we all rely on one another, unless that dude getting exiled is a doctor, a chef, an architect, an entertainer, a contractor, a musician, etc. People need people. Being on top leads to solitude.

[@adobeblue4360]

Hi, I liked the video but I wish there was just ONE actual example of a gift. Some real-world stories of the gift economy might cement the idea and get others to participate. How do we participate in this in 2022?

[@Pika250]

Wouldn't Pokémon wonder trading qualify? At least the Pokémon can be useful for breeding or wonderlockes...

[@danielobi7169]

surprisingly informative

[@pret1102]

Umm. Sorry to say.. this video misleads to actual Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. It is cooperative, interdependent existance. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@bethra.flowers]

This is NOT a True gift economy, but is still a bartering system. Emotional energy is still a resource which is also being traded. A Pure Gifting economy is where a resource given is completely surrendered to flow into and out of circulation naturally without further consideration freeing the giver to also freely receive when given a gift.

[@JannPoo]

“There is nothing more expensive than something free.” - Japanese proverb

[@thegrowingnetwork3409]

Gift economies don't trade!!

[@thereallegend4lyfe]

So instead of being indebted to one single central entity like the Federal Reserve; one is indebted to many many entities like your neighbors. I like the idea; however, I wonder how society will transition to this gift economy.

[@entitygamma1792]

UBI might bring us alot closer to it

[@pret1102]

Sorry to say this video misleads. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours. Transition is possible slowly in steps. By creating many ideal gift economy communities and gradually merging them in each other. If you want detailed description of it I can recommend a book. I hope this video series, you will love.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKuonWiIfrKjba8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLYfoKbnpl2atE kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7cYp2gh9Ofbqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzSmnSOjZt-fNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojUpYtunt-NmsU

[@AnstonMusic]

This reminds me of patreon and youtube content creators as well.

[@s.l.3281]

So basically that epsiode of the Office is like a gift economy. Dwight's trying to collect favors from his co-workers so that he can get Jim fired, but Andy doesn't like to be indebted so he keeps trying to pay Dwight back immediately, which eventually brings Dwight's plan to ruins, as all his co-workers also do him a group favour. That show has so many levels.

[@pret1102]

That's the reason this video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. It is cooperative, interdependent existance. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@ExtantThylacine]

It is better to give than to receive... So remember that when my birthday comes round.

[@arunrajan3335]

South indian marriages are run through this system. People gift small amounts of money in marriages and new couple are expected to pay in other's marriage. Helps to pay for the high expense of marriage.

[@pret1102]

😃😃 That's not Gift Economy. this video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance.' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@nicocoleeta]

In the Philippines, we have a similar thing called utang na loob which loosely means you are in debated to someone else 💁🏻‍♀️

[@SuperClavera]

Gift economy? More like guilt economy. A gift is never truly a gift if one gave it because they wanted/expected to get something in return. I usually tell people that they don't have to buy me anything for Christmas because I don't want to feel guilty and thus forced to give them something back. I usually don't give gifts but when I do I give gifts to the people that I think deserve them, not because I want something materialistic back. I just want them to be happy because I like them and I want to keep being with them. At this stage it doesn't matter if I give or receive gifts, it's just a surplus act, not a guilt act.

[@pret1102]

Well said.. !!!! Sorry to say this videos misleads.. it looks intentionally made to mislead. Gift Economy is coperative interdependent existance!

[@dimasfunes7869]

Your vids are amazing an educational keep up the good work😃

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. It is cooperative, interdependent existance. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@omunegru]

„Instead, the social norm of reciprocity *obligates* recipients to *voluntarily* return the favor.” Wut?

[@agentdoodo299]

Social norms don't impose the same obligations as an authoritarian government. You're not compelled by the rule of law, but social pressures.

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. '

[@hamedal-khateeb7360]

That's not the usual Alex gandler>

[@sophieamat5548]

Interesting! Alot of potential here.

[@trecemundos]

Take a look at Resource-Based Economy and The Venus Project, is very similar but I think is better than that ;)

[@marlonyo]

it is not.basically ,just like communism, it is something whose end product sound good but everybody dies while trying to achieve it.

[@trecemundos]

I don't think so

[@paulmahoney7619]

I really think the ideal system is between socialism and capitalism. Ideally, it would reward innovation and hard work, but also prevent devaluation of said hard work and prevent vastly unequal wealth distribution( as in : John owns 4 mansions but Jack needs to eat roadkill, rather than : John has a mansion while Jack has a house, with stability).

[@trecemundos]

In a Resource Based Economy there is no property, therefor it's is imposible to have an unequeal wealth distribution, because people have free acces to the goods and services, in a commonth waelth way, thanks to automation and software we can create a calculated abundace of almost everything, without "hard work". But btw, if a kind of hard work is required in a specific momento, to suntain the hole system (and people lifes), I'm sure that a lot of poeple will fix that "hard work" issues for free, to fix a system that feed and so all poeple, for example ;)

[@marlonyo]

Bruno trecemundos here is what people like you don't get since everybody in the world would get the same stuff . and already various rare metals that are needed for computers and smartphones ect are already having problems. to provide the same availability to technology all your phones tablets computers ect would have to be confiscated and instead you will probably have to wait in line to go to free cybercafe like places same for all other stuff if you live in any non third world country your life quality would go down significantly in order to raise everybody.

[@II-cq5gb]

I used to give my ex gifts on his birthday but he never gave me one :) its not that i wanted gifts, but i did hope for a gesture anyway bcz when this happens we start to feel that we're less important for the said person.

[@pret1102]

That's the reason this video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift Economy but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. It is cooperative, interdependent existance. In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@빅토리아베리]

Скажите ответы пожалуйста 🙏

[@FriendlyHugo]

*TED-Ed explains Gift economies* 1:37 - "We might say that instead of accumulating material wealth, participants in a gift economy use it to accumulate social wealth". 2:29 - "Repaying a gift immediately, or with something of exactly equal value, may be read as ending the social relationship". In a purely capitalist world, the immediate exchange of "capital"/value is arguably precisely to keep an individual's independence, "I don't owe anyone anything". Rational, self-contained transactions attempt to build on the "rational selfishness" of _homo economicus_. (Actually, free market economic theory also targets _homo reciprocans_. I guess gift economies might be based on some entirely different cultural-species? :-) ) In the idealistic "social capital" based culture, one might dream that "no one goes hungry"... I have heard claims like these, with regards to some historical cultures. In general I guess a gift economy has less "economic efficiency" than a capitalist market economy. I also guess some free-loading exists in all cultures. In general we should continue to seek a "good" balance of cultures? (And what's poverty in a "social capital" based culture? Might one run out of "social capital" even while one never goes hungry?) I've been hoping to check out AfrikaBurn next year (a Burning Man regional event), which attempts to foster much more of a gift economy, but I managed to miss the first round of ticket sales due to important stuff at work. :-( #fb

[@DonovanBaarda]

Read "Debt: The last 4000 years." To understand why we are so obsessed with "repaying immediately with exact value", and yes, independence is the reason (freedom from debt slavery). I thoroughly recommend that book... It points out that so many things we take for granted in our culture are the artifacts of our ( mostly violent) history. It also helped me understand and explain why I'm so disappointed and unimpressed by bitcoin. So much more could have been done with a digital currency, but they just invented digital gold.

[@FriendlyHugo]

Sounds fascinating, thanks! And I think of bitcoin as a platform or technology whose full potential has yet to be seen...

[@FriendlyHugo]

Interesting discussion taking place in comments here: plus.google.com/102820293301450002190/posts/cP2XoZ7SMvD - e.g. by GTEN Trustees​​ and Edward Furey​.

[@xcvsdxvsx]

Donovan Baarda Its an open source platform. You can alter the monetary policy in any way you want and make your own competitor. If your changes are good enough than in theory it should out compete bitcoin and supplant it. Of course bitcoin has a first mover advantage which is pretty valuable. I still expect that it will eventually be supplanted by a sufficiently improved digital currency. Perhaps one with cheaper security and anonymity by default. Im curious though, what do you think is wrong with the monetary policy of bitcoin? what would you have done differently? I quite like gold myself.

[@DonovanBaarda]

*****​​ first I'm not even sure that "value through scarcity" which bitcoin is based on is required for a good digital currency. I'm not sure if fiat currencies are a good idea, and maybe inovative time backed (like ithaca hours) or energy backed currencies are better. Demurrage currencies that depreciate with time discourage hoarding the currency and encourage trade. Trust is an important part of trade, so why not a currency that uses trust networks, maybe even a trust-backed currency? Finally, the biggest problem in the world is the concentration of wealth, so why not a currency with an integrated taxation/welfare/living wage system? There are so many innovative things that could be done in digital currencies to really change things beyond just "digital gold" Admittedly some of these are features that could be built on top of bitcoin, but some of them probably require more rethinking what money is, and what it's for.

[@fredflintstoner596]

Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !" Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam." Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!" Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..." Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!" Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky." Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction." Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?

[@Kristiana-mb9lk]

Now do you understand?

[@nico_rico3185]

Cool vid! Thanks!

[@matrixz12345]

Imo a bad idea.. since gifts arent ment to be payments for goods, and this idea seems like trade. Which is the reason why money was invented in the first place.. To avoid carrying heavy boxes / bags of stuff to trade with, around with you. I get that we need to either reset the economy, or replace the money system, but this is simply not a valid solution.. sorry

[@Juvelqairth]

The logic is too tricky to be right, no matter how accurate and no matter how valid will be. You can combine gift economy with other means, like distributed, sharing, access economy or both can be useful. And of course tactics through step-by-step and hints can be effective. I don't care gonna be work or not. It's better to try it at "disastrous" first.

[@pret1102]

Sorry to say this video misleads to actual Gift Economy concept. It looks intentionally made to mislead. Gift is not trade and trade is not gift. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. No rulers but understanding and shared responsibility. In Gift Economy there is not Me and Mine but We and Ours. Refering your comment I assume, this video series you will like for sure.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKuonWiIfrKjba8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLYfoKbnpl2atE kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7cYp2gh9Ofbqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzSmnSOjZt-fNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojUpYtunt-NmsU

[@ktcg4795]

This video is about the Kula you folks. I watched it for my anthology class! Why do you take it so personal? Wait. What are you even watching it?

[@jayfulf]

What if... this video was never made.

[@pret1102]

Many people won't be misleaded to actual Gift Economy concept.

[@josesalazar3242]

The Godfather in a nutshell, very good video.

[@lanceisidro1219]

Ahhhhh! these is what simps are after, gift economy were if they give something to someone especially to someone your attracted you think their obligated to give something back to you.

[@yuplicon6847]

So it’s saying the more gifts you give back the higher the chance of getting something in return

[@nebojsagalic4246]

It`s not a gift economy, it`s an inexact exchange economy.

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading.

[@darksidegirl]

And who is going to give me the food for free in the market? What can I do for them?... mmm... it's impossible in a big city. Possible in a small town.

[@pret1102]

It is tough to do in city yet you can do by Pay What you Feel model. Many restaurants are working that way. A person is free to not to pay or much more than reasonable price or just help other way. This is a condition which allows us to work unconditionally so it becomes gift. You will get some nice videos in KZbin @ this model. Except, it is better to practice it in town or village.

[@firozosman]

Perceptions

[@CSHREYASROY-fj5uo]

As a member of a tribe, I don't like how everywhere Asian and African tribe members are shown wearing leaves And dancing around the fire like animals while Westerners wear cotton shirts and bright pants We have our own identity!! We tribes were among the first to make cotton clothes which now u wear and you should give the credit to the ones who made it instead of just calling us "Uncultured"!!

[@compugasm]

But in the examples given, like natives exchanging necklaces, it's simply trading a single luxury item for another. This is not the same thing as "an economy" which serves the needs of sustaining an entire civilization.

[@robertjarman3703]

The jewels will still serve to make other connections, like being a group willing to trade your youth in marriage. Things like food and shelter you can do yourself in those days, but other people you can't create yourself.

[@pret1102]

This video is misleading the actual concept of Gift Economy. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. In Gift Economy There is be not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@pandakabob8013]

Aww, her name is Pen-Pen. Thats an adorable name.

[@halfapersonalityaquarterof9871]

Ancoms in here?

[@kyleeaton2717]

This is incorrect. Just straight up incorrect.

[@pret1102]

Sorry to say this videos misleads.. it looks intentionally made to mislead.

[@edwardfurey9463]

Let's replace our current economy with THIS! Imagine if, instead of people camping in front of their stores each year, Apple made a huge list of the people who had contributed the most to society each year and those people were gifted a new iPhone. Then the iPhone would be a real status symbol, not just a symbol of rampant consumerism. How would people treat each other if getting food, shelter and luxuries depended on the social bonds you had created within your neighbourhood.

[@marlonyo]

stores already doths they even pay those people to use their product

[@pret1102]

Sorry to say this video misleads to actual Gift Economy concept. It looks intentionally made to mislead. Gift is not trade and trade is not gift. Gift Economy has no obligation to return something or reciprocity. If there is obligation, it is not Gift but a kind of trade. At very basic, Gift Economy works like, if you have extra to give, you give or you see someone in need and you can help, you just help without any hidden agenda. Same thing others will do with you. 'It is cooperative, interdependent existance. ' In Gift Economy, there will be least personal ownership. Most of the things are shared and cared by everyone. No rulers but understanding and shared responsibility. In Gift Economy there is not Me and Mine but We and Ours.

[@SlaiShow]

What a great vidéo

[@keepthefaith9805]

imagine ordering from Amazon for free. That’s the best and strongest economy. Gift economy. Only thing required is top notch distribution of wealth by the government.

[@keepthefaith9805]

all physical work to be done by robots.

[@awesomelife3710]

The concept of a “free gift,” commonly used by many American companies, is truly comical in other parts of the world. A gift is, by definition, free. I’ve heard people giggle when they first hear the term. What these companies actually mean is, “If you buy x, we’ll throw in y, as an enticement.” Try getting the “gift” without purchasing the product in question and you’ll see it is not a gift at all, certainly not in the traditional sense.

[@Giant_Meteor]

"And I tell you, make friends for yourselves, by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings." - Jesus, Luke 16:9

[@GarketMardener]

Maybe, maybe not. Assumptions and value can vary heavily. Just don't make a big fucking mess over this.