Economic Organization

(Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology; Formalist and Substantivist debate; Principles governing production, distribution and exchange (reciprocity, redistribution and market), in communities, subsisting on hunting and gathering, fishing, swiddening, pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture; globalization and indigenous economic systems.)

Meaning, Scope & Relevance of Economic Anthropology

1. Write notes on: Modes of Subsistence. (150 words) (2021)
2. Delineate the meaning and scope of economic anthropology and discuss the principles that govern production, distribution and consumption in hunting and gathering communities. (1997)
3. Discuss the meaning and scope of economic anthropology. (1990)
4. Discuss the meaning and scope of economic anthropology. Explain the method of exchange in the context of simple societies. (1987)

Formalist vs Substantivist Debate

1. Critically examine the Formalists and Substantivists’ views on the applicability of economic laws in the study of primitive societies. (2015)
2. Critically examine the debate between Formalists and Substantivists. (2011)
3. Critically discuss the Formalist and Substantivist approaches in the context of economic anthropology. (2005)
4. Critically examine the view of Formal and Substantive schools of thought in Economic Anthropology. (1993)

Principles of Exchange, Production & Distribution

1. With the help of appropriate examples, explain the various forms of exchange system. (2017)
2. Discuss the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies. (2016)
3. Social processes function to coordinate economic exchange and redistribution. Discuss. (1985)
4. Discuss the role of reciprocity and redistribution in tribal economy with examples. (1988)
5. “Economic relations are an aspect of social relations.” Justify. (1981)

Subsistence Systems (Hunting, Pastoralism, Horticulture, etc.)

1. Write a note in 150 words on Pastoralism in India. (2019)
2. Write the characteristics of hunting and gathering economy. (2018)
3. Write a note in 150 words on Horticulture. (2015)
4. Describe the economic organization of gathering-hunting tribes. Illustrate from the Indian situation. (1994)

Market, Trade & Ceremonial Exchange

1. Define market. Discuss the nature and role of market in tribal countries. (1992)
2. Write a note on Trade and Barter. (2005)
3. Write a note on Ceremonial Exchange. (2004)
4. Write a note on Kula Ring. (2003)
5. “Primitive economic organization has several peculiar features relating to the production, consumption, distribution and exchange.” Discuss with illustrations. (2003)
6. Write a note on Tribal Markets. (1988)
7. Distinguish the modes of exchange in primitive society from those of the peasant society. (1982)

Globalization & Indigenous Systems

1. Discuss how indigenous people encounter globalization. (2019)
2. Discuss the impact of globalization on tribal economy. (2013)