Potlatches are an example of redistribution where goods are collected from, or contributed by, members of a group then given out to the larger group in a new pattern. All of the examples given in this week's discussion are similar to potlatches. A few of you discussed potlucks. These are good examples of redistribution because dishes are contributed by the members of a group, and then given out to the group in a new pattern - everyone in the group gets a bit of each dish.
Potlatches work as a means of redistributing wealth in large part because they are tied to prestige. Village leaders increase their prestige in their village and in the region by throwing elaborate potlatches. While the end result is to redistribute wealth, prestige is the motivator.
The two key characteristics of a potlatch are that it involves a redistribution of wealth and is tied to increased prestige for those who throw the potlatch. In our society there are many examples where people are driven by the desire for prestige to spend a lot of money on others. Good examples of this , mentioned by a few of you would be weddings. With weddings we see a redistribution of wealth in a number of ways. First, the individual or individuals who hold the wedding - often parents of the bride - are providing an evening of food and entertainment for the guests. Sometimes there is a big show about the gift given to the newly married couple. That is also a redistribution of wealth. The prestige aspect is also often present. The newly married couple is granted the social prestige of their parents. The bigger and more elaborate the party, the higher the status (or desired status) of those paying for the wedding.
Many birthday parties are as much a show as weddings. Parents try to outdo each other with the birthday parties they throw for their children. Wealth is redistributed through gifts given to all party goers as well as to the child having the birthday.
Another example is charitable giving. Oftentimes there is a big todo about those who give a great deal of money to help others. Some philanthropists go as far as to start their own foundation, named after themselves, to provide assistance and/or funds to others. Wealth is redistributed and the status and prestige of the giver is boosted.
Great discussion!
Potlatches work as a means of redistributing wealth in large part because they are tied to prestige. Village leaders increase their prestige in their village and in the region by throwing elaborate potlatches. While the end result is to redistribute wealth, prestige is the motivator.
The two key characteristics of a potlatch are that it involves a redistribution of wealth and is tied to increased prestige for those who throw the potlatch. In our society there are many examples where people are driven by the desire for prestige to spend a lot of money on others. Good examples of this , mentioned by a few of you would be weddings. With weddings we see a redistribution of wealth in a number of ways. First, the individual or individuals who hold the wedding - often parents of the bride - are providing an evening of food and entertainment for the guests. Sometimes there is a big show about the gift given to the newly married couple. That is also a redistribution of wealth. The prestige aspect is also often present. The newly married couple is granted the social prestige of their parents. The bigger and more elaborate the party, the higher the status (or desired status) of those paying for the wedding.
Many birthday parties are as much a show as weddings. Parents try to outdo each other with the birthday parties they throw for their children. Wealth is redistributed through gifts given to all party goers as well as to the child having the birthday.
Another example is charitable giving. Oftentimes there is a big todo about those who give a great deal of money to help others. Some philanthropists go as far as to start their own foundation, named after themselves, to provide assistance and/or funds to others. Wealth is redistributed and the status and prestige of the giver is boosted.
Great discussion!
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