Economics
The Gift Economy and Its Role in Maintaining Social Cohesion
Quick fact
In the Trobriand Islands, the Kula ring exchange of shell necklaces and armbands creates peaceful trade routes between potentially hostile tribes—the gift itself is secondary to the social bond it forges, transforming enemies into partners.
Why this is interesting
You've probably received a birthday gift you felt you had to reciprocate. But what if that obligation is the very glue that holds entire societies together?