1. Consumer Gift Systems.
- Author
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Giesler, Markus
- Subjects
- *
GIFT giving , *DYADIC analysis (Social sciences) , *CONSUMERS , *RECIPROCITY (Commerce) , *COMPUTER file sharing , *MUSIC downloading (Computers) , *SOCIAL interaction , *RITES & ceremonies , *COMMERCIAL policy , *CONSUMPTION (Economics) , *CEREMONIAL exchange - Abstract
This article develops a critique of the dyadic model of consumer gift giving and an extension of the classic paradigm of gift giving as elaborated in fundamental anthropological and sociological texts. I conceptualize and present empirical evidence for the notion of a consumer gift system, a system of social solidarity based on a structured set of gift exchange and social relationships among consumers. Social distinctions, norm of reciprocity, and rituals and symbolisms are defined as key characteristics of a consumer gift system and are shown to be present in peer-to-peer music file sharing at Napster. Implications for extant research on solidarity, gift giving, and consumption are discussed, and future research directions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
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