ISBN
978-1529226225Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529226249Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Politics of the Gift
At the heart of capitalism lies the idea of ‘homo economicus’: an ever-rational human being motivated by self-interest which arguably leads societies to economic prosperity.
Drawing on French sociologist Marcel Mauss' influential theory of ‘the gift’, Frank Adloff shatters this fallacy to show mutual trust is the only glue that holds societies together; people are giving beings and they can cooperate for the benefit of all when the logic of all when the logic of maximizing personal gain in capitalism is broken.
Acknowledging the role of women, nature and workers in the Global South in transforming society, this book proposes a politics of conviviality, (from Latin con-vivere: living together), for global and environmental justice as an alternative to the pursuit of profit, growth and consumption.
“A convivial transformation of our society can no longer merely be hoped for; everything around us signals that this is a must. Frank Adloff's book is indispensable reading to (re)turn to the language and practices of giving, care and solidarity.” Francesca Forno, University of Trento
Frank Adloff is Professor of Sociology at the University of Hamburg and the co-director of the Humanities Centre for Advanced Studies, Futures of Sustainability.
Introduction: From Capitalism’s Crises to a Convivial Society
Part 1: An Anthropology of Giving
1. Self-interest, Altruism, and the Gift
2. Mauss’ Gift
3. 'Homo donator': A Different Anthropology
Part 2: Society’s Gifts
4. Locating the Gift in Society
5. The Gift between Socialism and Capitalism
6. Commodities, Values, Money, Gifts
Part 3: Crossing the Borders
7. Science and Technology, Nature and Conviviality
8. Gifts of Nature
9. Civil Society, Conviviality, Utopia
Part 4: Worlds of Conviviality
10. Aesthetic Freedom; or: The Gift of Art
11. Pluriversalism: Towards a European and Global Politics of Conviviality
Conclusion
