特集論文
贈与交換論と開発研究
―研究の視座を整理する―
キーワード:
gift-exchange theory,
development research and practice,
logical framework approach,
alternative perspective
2020 年 29 巻 1 号 p. 5-21
詳細
2020 年 29 巻 1 号 p. 5-21
This paper explores possibilities to refer to gift-exchange theories and perspectives more meaningfully in the fields of Development Studies and practices, as “The Gift” by Marcel Mauss can be read as one of the oldest texts of Development Studies, discussing principles to maintain and develop societies.
For deepening discussions, the author first examines “The Gift” to understand 1) definition of gift exchange, 2) classification (limited exchange and general exchange), 3) differences between gift and exchange, 4) its positive and negative aspects and 5) those that cannot be never given. Second, the author conducts literature reviews both on academic and applied researches to confirm how far and in which field related researches have already been conducted.
Subsequently, the author examines how such proceeding studies are (not) reflected upon in the fields of Development Studies and practices. First, the literature review confirms that there is an “adacemic bias”. International Relations and Politics tend to deal with macro level cases between nations focusing on violent (exploisive) aspects. In contrast, Anthropology and Sociology have tendencies to deal with community-level cases, focusing on peaceful (reciprocity) aspects. Second, the author also critically discusses Logical Framwork Approach, which is the most used project management tool in development practices, adopting simplified and unrealistic exchange logics. Through the reviews, it is understood that these theories and perspectives are often referred to in development researches in rather limited manners, influenced by perspectives of each academic discipline. Finally, some ideas are shared how it is possible to apply gift-exchange theories and perspectives in the context of development researches and practices more holistically from the following four topics: 1) what are returns in development practices in limited gift-exchange situations, 2) what are given and returned in general gift-exchange activities, 3) understanding people's daily lives through managing, gift-exchange and market-exchange, and 4) what are over-given and never-given.
