Perspectives on gift exchange and hospitable behaviour

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine hospitality through the metaphor of gift exchange. Cultural and symbolic aspects of gift giving, receiving and reciprocity are discussed and related to public and private hospitality. Attention is given to the motives of the giver and reccipient, consideration of the development and projection of identities and examination of the devices of social control which can be deployed through both activities. The central processes of human interaction and extension of social relationships are introduced utilising a symbolic interactionist perspective with reflection to commercial hospitality situations.