下面为大家整理一篇优秀的paper代写范文- Modes of Gift Exchange，供大家参考学习，这篇论文讨论了礼品交换。礼物交换是人文社会科学研究的一个共同领域。礼物具有巨大的象征意义和社会意义，远远超出了它们的实际物质价值或身份，而考察送礼的过程，可以让我们考察一件物品成为礼物的社会手段。对于宗教节日礼物，它们允许检查一个社会对上帝和人之间的关系的理解，人类和财产之间的关系，以及社会交往的方法和人类之间的关系中的文化象征。礼物交换激励人们重新审视旧知识和文化范式，揭示不同文化如何相互影响，形成新的文化变化。
1）I chose the modes of gift exchanges as the topic of studying cultural variations from a global perspective.
Gift exchange is a common area of research in the humanities and social sciences. Gifts hold immense symbolism and social implications, far beyond their actual material worth or identity, and examining the process of gift giving allows us to examine the social means by which an object becomes a gift. For religious holiday gifts, they allow an examination of a society's understanding of the relationship between God and man, the relationship between humans and possessions, and methods of social communications and cultural symbolism in the relationships between humans and each other.
In ancient society, the offering, exchanges, acceptances, rebates, preservation, even sacrifices and rituals relating to gifts represent abundant social, relational, and symbolic connotations. Gift exchange could be used to explain the whole system of social interactions, and it provides inspirations to study in the modern societies. For example, Peter Whiteley (2004) conducted a 25-year ethnographic study with the Hopi among at understanding their history and culture through their modes of gift exchange. Hopi is a Native American tribe with strong distinct culture. In their culture, gifts served as message, offering, and gift of magical power. After their rational ritual gradually merged into the American society and through years of cultural change and development, it formatted a new gift exchange culture. Therefore, the gift exchange culture is not always immutable. Additionally, due to America’s dominant position, the American gift exchange culture also affects Hopi’s culture and even makes changes in their society.
To sum it up, Gift exchange has a significant role in studying cross-cultural issues. Gift exchange is inspiring people to take a fresh look at our old paradigms of knowledge and culture, and reveals how different cultures interact with each other and form new cultural changes.
2）Gift exchange is a universal phenomenon that is present yet expressed differently in every human society around the world. A truth widely acknowledged is that the meaning of the gift is far more important than the actual physical object’s worth or identity, and that the means and symbolism of its transfer from one person to another is what defines a gift as something unique or more than a simple transfer of material possessions. Given the importance of symbolism to gift-giving, I chose to examine the conditions under which gifts are given and various modes of gift exchange from different societies around the world.
The first example of gift exchange modes was given to me by a Japanese classmate, who explained that it is very common for people in Japan to give their neighbors gifts when they move to a new area. This is partly to introduce yourself and to break the ice with some of your neighbors, as well as apologize for any disturbances you might cause to their lives or environments. Traditionally, one is supposed to buy something small and practical for the neighbors. Small boxes of cookies, dish towels, or laundry soap are traditional—things that can be used by people of all ages and classes. In more crowded urban environments, they might just be left at the door with a small note, while in more rural or quiet environments this experience might be much more interactive and personal, and reciprocity is highly emphasized. It is not mandatory, particularly in high-density urban areas, but it is strongly encouraged and expected.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2383499
Speaking to another classmate, an American, taught me about the tradition of wedding registries. A couple getting married, instead of simply expecting friends and family to bring money and presents which might be redundant or unwanted, will create an electronic list at a popular supermarket like Target, and make a list of all the things they want or need to start their new lives, from silverware to home goods to appliances. The process is highly industrial and impersonal, yet extremely efficient at getting a couple the things they want and avoiding the giving of cash, which is largely seen as rude in American culture.
http://theweek.com/articles/737043/inside-booming-online-wedding-registry-industry
Looking at the gifts given between modern heads of state, we find a long line of bizarre and extravagant gifts. These are given usually in person, yet are coordinated through international staffs and foreign ministries, and steps are often taken to prevent corruption and give the gifts domestic political importance. For example, in America, any gift worth over $375 must be donated to the National Archives, such as the aforementioned sword, and gifts given to foreign dignitaries must be made in the U.S.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/the-unusual-gifts-given-to-presidents/462831
Modern diplomatic gift-giving can also be compared to the tributary system of Imperial China and the exchange of gifts between kingdoms and nations several hundred years ago. Large quantities of gifts were sent to and from China’s capital as a symbol of the neighboring countries’ acknowledgment of China’s cultural superiority and supremacy. In times of strife the gifts would have a net flow outward in an attempt to pacify aggressive nations, though the system was never formalized. By enforcing reciprocity, the gift process gave validity to China’s cultural imperialism and colonial efforts over “barbarian” regions like Manchuria, Xinjiang, Vietnam, and Korea, and to giving “face” to the Chinese state.
https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/students/modules/modern_china/readings/peter_perdue_the_tenacious_tributary_system_2015.pdf
Giving lottery tickets is a popular activity in many countries. It is often done casually, with numerous examples of people buying tickets on a whim with whatever change was left while purchasing groceries, without any mathematical hope of winning. However, it is very interesting to examine what happens when the person wins, because a casual situation where no reciprocity was expected suddenly changes as the gift has enormously grown in value.
https://www.consumerreports.org/holiday-shopping/lottery-tickets-as-holiday-gifts/
By looking at the different examples and modes of gift giving under different historical, economic, and social conditions, we can learn much about the underlying principles and meaning of gift-giving.
3）Peter Whiteley’s research has already pointed out that gift exchange is hopi’s important diplomatic means with America. In fact, the relationship between gift exchange and colonialism still exists. In the context of colonialism, the dominant western value directly reflects in the material expression. For example, Hong Kong was under deep influence of the United Kingdom in the colonial era, therefore Christmas has been one of the most important holidays and exchanging gifts is also an indispensable custom. Also, in 1887, in order to transport tin more conveniently out of China, the French decided to build a railway between Vietnam and China. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway was built under this background and became a veritable “colonial gift.”
We could also find the relationship between gift exchange and hegemony if we further extend the scope of gift. For instance, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Chinese Tributary System was highly prospered. Japan, North Korea, Vietnam and other places were China's dependents back then. The gift they gave to China was called a “tributary,” but the materials rebounded by China to them were regarded as “rewards.” It clearly reflects the status of the state and the status of inequality and contains an attitude to show cultural superiority from China’s side.
Imperialism is also related to gift exchange. Cultural imperialism means that if a country has its influence (such as soft power) in its social system and culture, its influence changes the moral, cultural and social values of another country. For example, traditionally Chinese people think that open gifts right after receiving them is impolite. But due to the huge impact of American culture on modern China, the young generation in China usually opens others’ gifts right in front of them and shows gratitude.
4）Imagine I was going to conduct further research on the modes of gift exchange and engage in ethnographic fieldwork, I would use participant observation, interviews, life histories, and videos.
First of all, primary sources are very important for cross-cultural research. Ethnographic researchers usually spend a long period of time to observe personal behaviors and collective behaviors on various occasions. Participant observation requires me to conduct direct and long-term observation on the rail behavior of my subjects, which contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the motives and other factors that affect their behaviors and customs. Cooperating with structured or semi-structured interviews, including random conversations in households. This method helps to establish and maintain mutual trust with my subjects and offer relevant knowledge in details. In long-term interviews, I will build the system of the causes, histories, commonalities, and differences in the modes of gift exchange among a national or regional population.
Secondly, some of the subjects might be more interested in my research than the others and more capable of contributing special points of view. Or some of them might be delightful to deal with and more generous to help. At this point, life histories would be a really effective methodology. In addition, there are often surprises in the life histories or stories research process and chances of gaining original and meaningful anthropological research outcomes.
Finally, with the development of science and technology, ethnographic research presents more diverse ways. Compared to articles and photos, dynamic videos is better to visually restore the real state of life of the subjects, that is why I would like to make a video record of my research.
These methodologies would help me to establish a more holistic understanding of the modes of gift exchange.
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51due为留学生提供最好的paper代写服务，亲们可以进入主页了解和获取更多paper代写范文 提供作业代写服务，详情可以咨询我们的客服QQ：800020041。
1）I chose the modes of gift exchanges as the topic of studying cultural variations from a global perspective.
Gift exchange is a common area of research in the humanities and social sciences. Gifts hold immense symbolism and social implications, far beyond their actual material worth or identity, and examining the process of gift giving allows us to examine the social means by which an object becomes a gift. For religious holiday gifts, they allow an examination of a society's understanding of the relationship between God and man, the relationship between humans and possessions, and methods of social communications and cultural symbolism in the relationships between humans and each other.
In ancient society, the offering, exchanges, acceptances, rebates, preservation, even sacrifices and rituals relating to gifts represent abundant social, relational, and symbolic connotations. Gift exchange could be used to explain the whole system of social interactions, and it provides inspirations to study in the modern societies. For example, Peter Whiteley (2004) conducted a 25-year ethnographic study with the Hopi among at understanding their history and culture through their modes of gift exchange. Hopi is a Native American tribe with strong distinct culture. In their culture, gifts served as message, offering, and gift of magical power. After their rational ritual gradually merged into the American society and through years of cultural change and development, it formatted a new gift exchange culture. Therefore, the gift exchange culture is not always immutable. Additionally, due to America’s dominant position, the American gift exchange culture also affects Hopi’s culture and even makes changes in their society.
To sum it up, Gift exchange has a significant role in studying cross-cultural issues. Gift exchange is inspiring people to take a fresh look at our old paradigms of knowledge and culture, and reveals how different cultures interact with each other and form new cultural changes.
2）Gift exchange is a universal phenomenon that is present yet expressed differently in every human society around the world. A truth widely acknowledged is that the meaning of the gift is far more important than the actual physical object’s worth or identity, and that the means and symbolism of its transfer from one person to another is what defines a gift as something unique or more than a simple transfer of material possessions. Given the importance of symbolism to gift-giving, I chose to examine the conditions under which gifts are given and various modes of gift exchange from different societies around the world.
The first example of gift exchange modes was given to me by a Japanese classmate, who explained that it is very common for people in Japan to give their neighbors gifts when they move to a new area. This is partly to introduce yourself and to break the ice with some of your neighbors, as well as apologize for any disturbances you might cause to their lives or environments. Traditionally, one is supposed to buy something small and practical for the neighbors. Small boxes of cookies, dish towels, or laundry soap are traditional—things that can be used by people of all ages and classes. In more crowded urban environments, they might just be left at the door with a small note, while in more rural or quiet environments this experience might be much more interactive and personal, and reciprocity is highly emphasized. It is not mandatory, particularly in high-density urban areas, but it is strongly encouraged and expected.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2383499
Speaking to another classmate, an American, taught me about the tradition of wedding registries. A couple getting married, instead of simply expecting friends and family to bring money and presents which might be redundant or unwanted, will create an electronic list at a popular supermarket like Target, and make a list of all the things they want or need to start their new lives, from silverware to home goods to appliances. The process is highly industrial and impersonal, yet extremely efficient at getting a couple the things they want and avoiding the giving of cash, which is largely seen as rude in American culture.
http://theweek.com/articles/737043/inside-booming-online-wedding-registry-industry
Looking at the gifts given between modern heads of state, we find a long line of bizarre and extravagant gifts. These are given usually in person, yet are coordinated through international staffs and foreign ministries, and steps are often taken to prevent corruption and give the gifts domestic political importance. For example, in America, any gift worth over $375 must be donated to the National Archives, such as the aforementioned sword, and gifts given to foreign dignitaries must be made in the U.S.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/the-unusual-gifts-given-to-presidents/462831
Modern diplomatic gift-giving can also be compared to the tributary system of Imperial China and the exchange of gifts between kingdoms and nations several hundred years ago. Large quantities of gifts were sent to and from China’s capital as a symbol of the neighboring countries’ acknowledgment of China’s cultural superiority and supremacy. In times of strife the gifts would have a net flow outward in an attempt to pacify aggressive nations, though the system was never formalized. By enforcing reciprocity, the gift process gave validity to China’s cultural imperialism and colonial efforts over “barbarian” regions like Manchuria, Xinjiang, Vietnam, and Korea, and to giving “face” to the Chinese state.
https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/students/modules/modern_china/readings/peter_perdue_the_tenacious_tributary_system_2015.pdf
Giving lottery tickets is a popular activity in many countries. It is often done casually, with numerous examples of people buying tickets on a whim with whatever change was left while purchasing groceries, without any mathematical hope of winning. However, it is very interesting to examine what happens when the person wins, because a casual situation where no reciprocity was expected suddenly changes as the gift has enormously grown in value.
https://www.consumerreports.org/holiday-shopping/lottery-tickets-as-holiday-gifts/
By looking at the different examples and modes of gift giving under different historical, economic, and social conditions, we can learn much about the underlying principles and meaning of gift-giving.
3）Peter Whiteley’s research has already pointed out that gift exchange is hopi’s important diplomatic means with America. In fact, the relationship between gift exchange and colonialism still exists. In the context of colonialism, the dominant western value directly reflects in the material expression. For example, Hong Kong was under deep influence of the United Kingdom in the colonial era, therefore Christmas has been one of the most important holidays and exchanging gifts is also an indispensable custom. Also, in 1887, in order to transport tin more conveniently out of China, the French decided to build a railway between Vietnam and China. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway was built under this background and became a veritable “colonial gift.”
We could also find the relationship between gift exchange and hegemony if we further extend the scope of gift. For instance, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Chinese Tributary System was highly prospered. Japan, North Korea, Vietnam and other places were China's dependents back then. The gift they gave to China was called a “tributary,” but the materials rebounded by China to them were regarded as “rewards.” It clearly reflects the status of the state and the status of inequality and contains an attitude to show cultural superiority from China’s side.
Imperialism is also related to gift exchange. Cultural imperialism means that if a country has its influence (such as soft power) in its social system and culture, its influence changes the moral, cultural and social values of another country. For example, traditionally Chinese people think that open gifts right after receiving them is impolite. But due to the huge impact of American culture on modern China, the young generation in China usually opens others’ gifts right in front of them and shows gratitude.
4）Imagine I was going to conduct further research on the modes of gift exchange and engage in ethnographic fieldwork, I would use participant observation, interviews, life histories, and videos.
First of all, primary sources are very important for cross-cultural research. Ethnographic researchers usually spend a long period of time to observe personal behaviors and collective behaviors on various occasions. Participant observation requires me to conduct direct and long-term observation on the rail behavior of my subjects, which contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the motives and other factors that affect their behaviors and customs. Cooperating with structured or semi-structured interviews, including random conversations in households. This method helps to establish and maintain mutual trust with my subjects and offer relevant knowledge in details. In long-term interviews, I will build the system of the causes, histories, commonalities, and differences in the modes of gift exchange among a national or regional population.
Secondly, some of the subjects might be more interested in my research than the others and more capable of contributing special points of view. Or some of them might be delightful to deal with and more generous to help. At this point, life histories would be a really effective methodology. In addition, there are often surprises in the life histories or stories research process and chances of gaining original and meaningful anthropological research outcomes.
Finally, with the development of science and technology, ethnographic research presents more diverse ways. Compared to articles and photos, dynamic videos is better to visually restore the real state of life of the subjects, that is why I would like to make a video record of my research.
These methodologies would help me to establish a more holistic understanding of the modes of gift exchange.
51due留学教育原创版权郑重声明：原创paper代写范文源自编辑创作，未经官方许可，网站谢绝转载。对于侵权行为，未经同意的情况下，51Due有权追究法律责任。主要业务有essay代写、assignment代写、paper代写服务。
51due为留学生提供最好的paper代写服务，亲们可以进入主页了解和获取更多paper代写范文 提供作业代写服务，详情可以咨询我们的客服QQ：800020041。
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