Die Praxis des Teilens

Abstract

Early anthropological theories of gift-exchange theory were developed as a response to a tendency to over-generalize the notion of ‘economic man’, but they have themselves been prone to over-generalizations. Many practices of sharing sit uneasily with prototypical forms of gift-exchange, and not only because they are unilateral, not reciprocal transfers. Taking a practice approach, it becomes apparent that sharing has its own temporality and is predicated upon particular opportunities (to demand, to respond, to renounce) rather than on contractual obligations. Moreover, by taking into account the intrinsic value of what is being transacted and the ‘presence’ of the agents involved, it becomes possible to distinguish sharing not only from gift-giving but also from practices of pooling and redistribution.