The Psychology Of Exchanging Gifts

According to French anthropologist Marcel Mauss, gift-giving carries many legal, moral, economical and spiritual aspects, and is significant for the whole social fabric. Many ancient cultures follow the intricate rules of gift exchange, which is not a voluntary act, but rather a comprehensive set of rules based on obligation and formality.

If a person does not take part in this obligatory ritual, he or she risks losing respect, moral authority and even wealth.