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MENTAL MODEL · M2635

Gift Economy

Gift Economy
BusinessHigh supportEconomics
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Unlike a commodity economy (where goods are exchanged for money and the relationship is settled), a gift economy establishes long-term, reciprocal social relationships through giving. The core of a gift is not the item itself, but the obligation to reciprocate (Mana).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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- Open source/community logic: The operation of open source software and fan communities follows the logic of a gift economy. If you only take without contributing (reciprocating) in a community, you will be seen as a 'moral free rider' and ostracized, even without legal punishment.

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Unlike the 'immediate settlement' of a commodity economy, a gift economy establishes long-term reciprocal obligations through giving (as Mauss discusses the 'obligation to reciprocate'). Relationships are maintained through a continuous cycle of giving and returning, rather than contracts. Those who do not reciprocate are seen as free riders and are ostracized.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_economyZH · Explicit
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