The Gift and its Paradoxes

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Exploring the complexities of the gift, this book delves into its dual nature as both a relationship and an object. It critiques traditional views of giving as reciprocal, drawing on Mauss's work to propose a new theory that emphasizes loss or sacrifice inherent in gifting. By analyzing popular culture, including movies and fairy tales, it presents the gift as an elusive concept that transcends mere exchange, ultimately portraying it as an act of gratuitous giving that challenges conventional understandings.