Potlatches are examples of negative reciprocity because, although the object was to give more over time than was received, __________ was the true commodity over which competition arose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Potlatches were conducted to display the wealth, generosity, and social standing of the host. The attendees would compete with each other for prestige by giving away valuable gifts or destroying them, depending on the custom. Thus, the competition was over social prestige rather than material goods like wives, rights to localized resources, or expanded kin networks. Therefore, option C is the correct choice.

Potlatches Are Examples of Negative Reciprocity Because, Although the Object