Gift-giving and reciprocity in global society

Introducing Marcel Mauss in international studies

Bibliographic Data

ID5765865
AuthorsVolker M Heins (0000-0002-8634-6605, Philipps University of Marburg, corresponding author), Christine Unrau (0000-0001-5467-4420, University of Duisburg-Essen), Kristine Avram (0000-0002-2912-9997, Philipps University of Marburg)
Year2018
Volume14
Issue2
Pages126-144
Publication date2018-02-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of International Political Theory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1755-0882 • E-ISSN: 1755-1722
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1755088218757807
OpenAlexW2791955837
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited21

How do multiple obligations to give, to receive, and to reciprocate contribute to the evolution of international society? This question can be derived from the works of the French anthropologist and sociologist Marcel Mauss, in particular from his classic essay The Gift, published in 1925. The aim of this article is to introduce Mauss' theory of the gift to international political theorists, to develop a general theoretical argument from his claim about the universality of gift-giving, and to lay out the plan of the Special Issue. First, we explore the basic concepts of gift-giving and reciprocity and how they highlight a type of exchange that differs from market exchange and from other forms of quid-pro-quo interactions. Second, we consider the Marshall Plan as an iconic and controversial example of international gift-giving. Third, we use Martin Wight's division of international political thought into realism, rationalism, and revolutionism to locate the work of Mauss and neo-Maussian scholars within the tableau of modern international thought. Fourth, we take a look at the interplay between analytical and normative aspects of Mauss' works and assess the theoretical purchase of these works for international studies. Finally, we introduce the contributions of the Special Issue

Argument (complex analysis · Reciprocity · International Development and Aid · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Peacebuilding and International Security

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