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In these total social phenomena, as we propose calling them, all kinds of institutions are given expression at one and the same time—religious, juridical, and moral, which relate to both politics and the family; likewise economic ones, which suppose special forms of production and consumption, or rather, of performing total services and of distribution. This is not to take into account the aesthetic phenomena to which these facts lead, and the contours of the phenomena that these institutions manifest. (p. 1)

We seek here to study only one characteristic—one that goes deep but is isolated: theso to speak voluntary character of these total services, apparently free and disinterested but nevertheless constrained and self-interested. (p.1)

We have followed the method of exact comparison. (p. 2)

It is possible to extend these observations to our ownsocieties. A considerable part of our morality and our lives themselves are still permeated with this same atmosphere of the gift, where obligation and liberty intermingle. (p. 83)

Thus, in our childhood, one village family in Lorraine,which normally contented itself with living very frugally,ruined itself for the sake of its guests on saints days, and at weddings, first communions, or funerals. One must act the ‘great lord’ upon such occasions. It may even be said that one section of our people is constantly behaving like this, and spends with the utmost extravagance on guests and on feastdays, and with New Year gifts. The invitation must be given, and must be accepted. (p. 84)