“From the viewpoint of a private property economy, the "gift" is deemed to be "free" because we obtain it free of charge, at no cost. But in the gift economy, gifts are not free. The essence of the gift is that it creates a set of relationships. The currency of a gift economy is, at its root, reciprocity. In Western thinking, private land is understood to be a "bundle of rights," whereas in a gift economy property has a "bundle of responsibilities" attached.”
Thanks for this. I love the shift from "rights" to "responsibilities" that I've seen in indigenous culture again and again. A shift from individualism to collectivism; from self-centering to interconnectedness. And I hadn't thought about it this way, but yes, the gift model totally mirrors this shift <3
Getting a good barter on marketplace is next level!! I've found that most folks are just looking for cash but I did manage to score a pair of suspenders for a loaf of sourdough recently ;) any good trades?
Your writing reinforces what I’m learning. I have had the privilege of knowing an elder who does all their teaching through the trade/gift economy. When they are asked to teach, they ask for a ride to and from the event and they ask for something to eat at the event. If the group wants to give above and beyond that they will usually suggest food! One time I wanted to gift them money and so on the way home, they asked to stop at a store to pick some food up. Being interdependent like this is a beautiful way to live a life.
“From the viewpoint of a private property economy, the "gift" is deemed to be "free" because we obtain it free of charge, at no cost. But in the gift economy, gifts are not free. The essence of the gift is that it creates a set of relationships. The currency of a gift economy is, at its root, reciprocity. In Western thinking, private land is understood to be a "bundle of rights," whereas in a gift economy property has a "bundle of responsibilities" attached.”
~ Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Thanks for this. I love the shift from "rights" to "responsibilities" that I've seen in indigenous culture again and again. A shift from individualism to collectivism; from self-centering to interconnectedness. And I hadn't thought about it this way, but yes, the gift model totally mirrors this shift <3
I love alternative economy. My favorite way to go outside the retail world right now is FB marketplace.
Getting a good barter on marketplace is next level!! I've found that most folks are just looking for cash but I did manage to score a pair of suspenders for a loaf of sourdough recently ;) any good trades?
I love this post so much! Thank you Kel x
Your writing reinforces what I’m learning. I have had the privilege of knowing an elder who does all their teaching through the trade/gift economy. When they are asked to teach, they ask for a ride to and from the event and they ask for something to eat at the event. If the group wants to give above and beyond that they will usually suggest food! One time I wanted to gift them money and so on the way home, they asked to stop at a store to pick some food up. Being interdependent like this is a beautiful way to live a life.
This is beautiful! I wish more educators took this approach.
This is really making me think on how to cultivate this mindset in my life and be extension in the communities I’m in.