Giving gifts during the childbirth of the Tay, Nung people a form of establishing and maintaining social networks

Abstract

The paper surveys the gift-giving relation of Tay and Nung people during childbirth and its role in establishing and maintaining social networks of people in Thach Dan commune, a typical commune of coexistence and cultural exchanges of the Tay, Nung. Adopting Marcel Mauss's point of view in his work of The Gift, he argues for giving gifts, on the one hand, it is mandatory to give a gift and, on the other, it is mandatory to receive it. Refusing a gift also means refusing a relation. Research results show that during childbirth, the gift-giving relation is based on the principle of “your turn and mine” (reciprocity). Giving gifts during childbirth is a way for the Tay, Nung people in Thach Dan commune to establish, maintain and renew their social capital.