“…Gift giving in such cultures is hypothesized by Belk (1 983) to serve a different function, namely reinforcement of a group-based (rather than personal characteristic-based) self-concept. Numerous anthropological studies support Belk's (1 983) contention (see, for example, Boas, 1987;Oberg, 1937;Blehr, 1974;Chukwukere, 1981 ;Grobsmith, 1981 ;Schneider, 198 1 ;Feil, 1982). However, most of these anthropological studies focused on traditional, tribal societies.…”