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DOI :10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048   IUP :10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048    Full Text (PDF)

Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective

Banu Özüşen, Levent Kösekahyaoğlu

Trade has been a fundamental aspect of human societies throughout history, shaping economic, social, and cultural relationships. Economic studies rooted in the “trade promotes peace” premise have shown that trade can both foster and maintain peace. This study substantiates this hypothesis by drawing upon archeological and anthropological evidence. Archeology provides important insights into trade objects, while anthropology is a source of understanding human behavior in exchange-based relationships. Meanwhile, economics analyzes the choices and behaviors of individuals, exploring the mechanisms underpinning human survival strategies and decision-making processes. This study bridges the realms of economics and anthropology by examining the economic, cultural, and legal phenomena of pre-monetary societies from the perspective of Marcel Mauss’s seminal work, “The Gift.” Specifically, it investigates how the trade built on the foundation of gift-giving can contribute to peaceful relations. The framework for this analysis encompasses utilitarianism, legal bonds, commercial relationships, and peace. Moreover, it offers a comparative perspective between historical and contemporary societies. Gift theory is deeply rooted in utilitarianism, aligning with the moral philosophy that individuals should seek happiness in their pursuits. Importantly, this study is not limited to a specific historical period. Recent research, supported by archeological and anthropological sources, highlights the existence of peaceful relations based on barter, gift exchange, or trade systems. Through this study, we aspire to make a valuable contribution to ongoing research on trade and peace, as well as interdisciplinary investigations rooted in the basis of gift theory.

Keywords: Trade, Peace, Gift theory, Behavioral economics, Utilitarianism
DOI :10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048   IUP :10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048    Full Text (PDF)

Davranışsal İktisat Perspektifinden Armağan Teorisi Çerçevesinde Ticaret ve Barış

Banu Özüşen, Levent Kösekahyaoğlu

Ticaret, geçmişten günümüze tüm toplumların ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel ilişkilerinin bir sonucudur. Günümüzde, “ticaret barışı teşvik eder” hipotezi çerçevesinde yapılan ekonomik analizlerle, ticaretin barışı geliştirdiği ve sürdürdüğü sonucuna ulaşılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada hipotezin arkeolojik ve antropolojik verilerle kanıtlanması amaçlanmaktadır. Arkeoloji, ticarete konu olan metalarla ilgili olarak önemli veriler sunarken, antropoloji, mübadeleye dayalı ilişkilerde insan davranışlarının doğasını anlamaya kaynaklık eder. İktisat ise bireylerin seçimlerini ve davranışlarını analiz etmektedir. İnsanın hayatta kalma stratejileri ve karar verme mekanizmalarının işleyişi ile ilgili olarak antropoloji ve iktisat ortak çalışma alanında kesişmektedir. Çalışmada, sosyal antropolojinin önemli eserlerinden olan Marcel Mauss’un “Armağan Üzerine Deneme” perspektifinde, para öncesi toplumların iktisadi, kültürel ve hukuki olgularından hareket edilmiş, ticaretin armağan ve barışçıl ilişkiler üzerine inşa edilmesine odaklanılmıştır. Ticaret ve armağanın çerçevesi “faydacılık, hukuki bağ, ticari ilişki ve barış” olarak çizilmiş, geçmiş toplumlarla günümüz toplumları arasında karşılaştırmalı bir bakış açısı sunulmaya çalışılmıştır. Temeli ahlak felsefesine dayanan faydacılık yaklaşımı, bireyin tüm eylemlerinde mutluluğu amaçladığı üzerine şekillenmesi sebebi ile armağan teorisi içinde ele alınmıştır. Arkeolojik ve antropolojik kaynaklarla birlikte son dönem çalışmalar mübadele, armağan ya da ticaret sistemlerinin temelinde barışçıl ilişkilerin varlığını gözler önüne sermektedir. Çalışma ile ayrıca, ticaret ve barış üzerine yapılacak araştırmalara, iktisat bilimine ve disiplinler arası çalışmalara katkı sağlaması amaçlanmıştır. 

Keywords: Ticaret, Barış, Armağan teorisi, Davranışsal iktisat, Faydacılık

EXTENDED ABSTRACT


This study, it is aimed to prove the “trade promotes peace” hypothesis with archeological and anthropological data. A comprehensive framework, encompassing utilitarianism, legal bonds, commercial relationships, and peace, is established to examine the intricate interplay between trade and the concept of gift-giving. Moreover, the study endeavors to comparative perspective, drawing parallels between past and present societies. 

The study is structured into three distinct sections. In the first section, we conducted a meticulous review of the empirical literature, focusing on modern-day societies. We explore the profound interdependence fostered by trade, which yields increased financial gains and improved overall welfare for countries. Furthermore, we emphasize the significant economic losses incurred by countries in conflicts, underlining the crucial role of trade in promoting peace. A recurring theme in these studies is the unwavering commitment of countries to safeguard their welfare gains from trade, leading to a tangible reduction in the risk of conflicts. Remarkably, the risk of conflict decreases while the rate of trade among countries continues to increase.

Tracing evidence that trade thrived on peaceful social relations in early civilizations has traditionally been the scope of archeology and anthropology. Consequently, in the second section of this study, we delve into archeology research related to trade. This research provides illuminating insights into the historical facets of trade, commodities involved, distribution mechanisms, quantities, and temporal aspects of mutual exchanges. It is well known that early societies engaged in long-distance trade as far back as the Upper Paleolithic, and these exchanges encompassed not only essential goods but also luxury items. Furthermore, it is considered that the exchange of goods was not always barter-based; at times, information or services may have been offered in exchange for goods. Such exchanges necessitate safe routes and interactions, which remain crucial but inadequately explained. This underscores the significance of anthropological and interdisciplinary studies that explore the links between trade and peace, offering a comprehensive perspective. 

The third and final section of this study employs the work of Marcel Mauss to determine the traces of peace relations within the realm of trade. We begin with an overview of Mauss’s influential work. The framework for analyzing trade and gifts is delineated as “utilitarianism, legal bond, commercial relationship, and peace.” Subsequently, we strive to establish a comparative perspective that links early societies and their contemporary counterparts. In this context, Marcel Mauss’s great work, “The Gift,” renowned within social anthropology, serves as a central reference point. Mauss’ work explores the profound implications of gift-giving, encompassing fields as diverse as economics, sociology, law, psychology, trade, and international relations. This study attempts to identify areas where Mauss’s work leaves unanswered questions, serving as a guide for further exploration. 

Within the gift cycle prevalent in primitive or archaic societies lies the basis of contemporary legal, economic, and social phenomena. Before the written rules, for primitive or prehistoric societies, the gift cycle offers a comparative perspective with today’s societies in showing the basis of legal and commercial relationship. The cycle of gifts transcends mere acts of giving, receiving, and reciprocating; it represents a complex web of relationships, seemingly unrequited but with an implicit expectation of reciprocation within a reasonable timeframe, thereby dictating the course of interactions among individuals or societies. Gift-giving paves the way for social interaction based on a peaceful relationship. The seemingly voluntary yet inherently obligatory gift cycle, whether involving two or more parties, imposes certain obligations upon all participants within an acceptable timeframe, establishing a legal framework that the parties willingly uphold.

The utilitarian approach, a moral philosophy rooted in maximizing individual happiness or minimizing suffering through actions, aligns closely with gift-giving. Utilitarianism is generally recognized as the perspective that deems the morally right action to be the one that generates the greatest good or maximum benefits. Gift-giving aligns with the utilitarian principles of classical economics, as it enhances an individual’s happiness. The initial giver of a gift takes the first step toward establishing a social and economic relationship based on peace. The sustainability of this relationship hinges upon the response of the other party to the gift. The act of giving a response gift within a reasonable timeframe, offering something of greater value after a delay, or choosing not to reciprocate can alter the course of relations among individuals or societies. In addition, the concept of gift-giving can be assessed from an anti-utilitarian standpoint. If an individual derives happiness from the act of giving gifts, this action closely aligns with utilitarianism. Utility, in this context, functions as an individual’s survival strategy, operating through cognitive processes that often operate swiftly.

Gift-giving is regarded as an initial step toward establishing peaceful relations. A gift marks the beginning of a mutual and complex relationship built on trust. The initial giver of the gift makes a choice under the uncertainty surrounding whether the gift will be reciprocated. Perhaps this act is intended to minimize the risk of a potential conflict arising. In summary, the exchange of gifts contributes to the development of social relations between individuals and societies. 

Irrespective of the presence or absence of written legal regulations, every society inherently desires to live in social order and economic prosperity. Trade, serving as the determinant of international relations and a fundamental factor of peace within and between societies, has been an enduring factor in social and economic relations across nearly all societies since the last ice age. Trade conducted within the framework of peace not only enhances interdependence and prosperity among countries but also paves the way for the permanent establishment of peace.


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APA

Özüşen, B., & Kösekahyaoğlu, L. (2023). Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective. İstanbul University Journal of Sociology, 43(2), 395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


AMA

Özüşen B, Kösekahyaoğlu L. Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective. İstanbul University Journal of Sociology. 2023;43(2):395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


ABNT

Özüşen, B.; Kösekahyaoğlu, L. Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective. İstanbul University Journal of Sociology, [Publisher Location], v. 43, n. 2, p. 395-420, 2023.


Chicago: Author-Date Style

Özüşen, Banu, and Levent Kösekahyaoğlu. 2023. “Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective.” İstanbul University Journal of Sociology 43, no. 2: 395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


Chicago: Humanities Style

Özüşen, Banu, and Levent Kösekahyaoğlu. “Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective.” İstanbul University Journal of Sociology 43, no. 2 (May. 2025): 395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


Harvard: Australian Style

Özüşen, B & Kösekahyaoğlu, L 2023, 'Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective', İstanbul University Journal of Sociology, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 395-420, viewed 1 May. 2025, https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


Harvard: Author-Date Style

Özüşen, B. and Kösekahyaoğlu, L. (2023) ‘Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective’, İstanbul University Journal of Sociology, 43(2), pp. 395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048 (1 May. 2025).


MLA

Özüşen, Banu, and Levent Kösekahyaoğlu. “Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective.” İstanbul University Journal of Sociology, vol. 43, no. 2, 2023, pp. 395-420. [Database Container], https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


Vancouver

Özüşen B, Kösekahyaoğlu L. Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective. İstanbul University Journal of Sociology [Internet]. 1 May. 2025 [cited 1 May. 2025];43(2):395-420. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048 doi: 10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048


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Özüşen, Banu - Kösekahyaoğlu, Levent. “Trade and Peace within the Gift Theory from a Behavioral Economics Perspective”. İstanbul University Journal of Sociology 43/2 (May. 2025): 395-420. https://doi.org/10.26650/SJ.2023.43.2.0048



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Submitted29.07.2022
Accepted03.08.2023
Published Online27.10.2023

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