Overview

At the heart of capitalism lies the idea of ‘homo economicus’: an ever-rational human being motivated by self-interest which arguably leads societies to economic prosperity. Drawing on French sociologist Marcel Mauss' influential theory of ‘the gift’, Frank Adloff shatters this fallacy to show mutual trust is the only glue that holds societies together; people are giving beings and they can cooperate for the benefit of all when the logic of all when the logic of maximising personal gain in capitalism is broken. Acknowledging the role of women, nature and workers in the Global South in transforming society, this book proposes a politics of conviviality, (from Latin con-vivere: living together), for global and environmental justice as an alternative to the pursuit of profit, growth and consumption.

Full Product Details

Author:   Frank Adloff (University of Hamburg)
Publisher:   Bristol University Press
Imprint:   Bristol University Press
ISBN:  

9781529226232

ISBN 10:   1529226236
Pages:   186
Publication Date:   09 April 2024
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  General/trade ,  Professional & Vocational ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Introduction: From Capitalism’s Crises to a Convivial Society Part 1: An Anthropology of Giving 1. Self-interest, Altruism, and the Gift 2. Mauss’ Gift 3. 'Homo donator': A Different Anthropology Part 2: Society’s Gifts 4. Locating the Gift in Society 5. The Gift between Socialism and Capitalism 6. Commodities, Values, Money, Gifts Part 3: Crossing the Borders 7. Science and Technology, Nature and Conviviality 8. Gifts of Nature 9. Civil Society, Conviviality, Utopia Part 4: Worlds of Conviviality 10. Aesthetic Freedom, or The Gift of Art 11. Pluriversalism: Towards a European and Global Politics of Conviviality Conclusion

Reviews

"""A convivial transformation of our society can no longer merely be hoped for; everything around us signals that this is a must. Frank Adloff's book is indispensable reading to (re)turn to the language and practices of giving, care, and solidarity."" Francesca Forno, University of Trento ""This book nicely weaves together a philosophical anthropology, a moral economy, an ethics of care, a politics of cooperation, a convivial technology, and an ecology into the politics of the gift. It will be an inspiring read for all those who believe that another world beyond growth and greed is possible."" Frederic Vandenberghe, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil"

Author Information

Frank Adloff is Professor of Sociology at the University of Hamburg and the co-director of the Humanities Centre for Advanced Studies, Futures of Sustainability.

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