TED-Ed: What is a gift economy? - Alex Gendler

The video explores the concept of a gift economy, where gifts are exchanged to build social ties and obligations rather than for financial gain. It discusses historical examples like the Kula ring and potlatch feasts, highlighting how these systems foster social wealth. The video also examines modern instances, such as Burning Man and open-source communities, where gift economies coexist with market systems. It challenges the notion of a 'free gift' by emphasizing the social bonds created through giving and reciprocity.

How do gift economies function in modern societies, such as communal spaces or events?

In what ways can the idea of a 'free gift' be misleading in the context of social obligations?