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 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 the Latin con-vivere: living together) for global and environmental justice as an alternative to the pursuit of profit, growth, and consumption.
Les mer
Drawing on French sociologist Marcel Mauss' influential theory of 'the gift', this book shows that trust is the only glue that holds societies together, and people are giving beings and they who can cooperate for the benefit of all when the logic of maximizing utility personal gain in capitalism is broken.
Les mer
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
Les mer
“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
Les mer
As the first translation of the German edition, Politik der Gabe, this is one of the first books available in English in this burgeoning subject; Offers a broad blueprint for rethinking society by challenging the key ideas capitalism is based on; Brings Mauss’ theory into modern contexts by referencing the role of underprivileged groups in restructuring society.
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781529226232
Publisert
2024-04-09
Utgiver
Vendor
Bristol University Press
Høyde
234 mm
Bredde
156 mm
Aldersnivå
P, G, 06, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet

Forfatter

Biographical note

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.