Question

How does culture shape the value and meaning of money itself?

If capitalism can vary across cultures, do you think models of capitalist behavior and thought can also differ within a society?

Why is gift exchange such an important part of all societies?

Answer 1

Money is intimately related to the culture. It also deviates one from the original culture. There is a great effect of money in building and damaging culture. Man is not born with money and man feels the need of money through social interaction and needs. It appears that the feeling of the need of money is more or less same in every culture. But there varies the demand in respect of the individual. The Indians like to live with their original cultural food habit and life style. If they get a large amount of money suddenly they are deviated from the original culture.

The nature of capitalism differs according to the culture. But the behavior of the capitalists is the same. They all bear the same nature. They are oppressor and they all want to exploit people economically. They always maintain social division. They all want to earn more profit.

Gift exchange is an important part because it is the mark of good relationship. In various levels of the society the nature of gift exchange is different. The capitalists show a kind of sympathy to the poor by offering some valuable gifts. But it is used in every society.