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Abstract

Recent developments in economic theory make it an opportune moment to re-examine the role of economic principles in the interpretation of anthropological evidence. In analyzing human motivation, economics now takes proper account of affective as well as material rewards, while its analysis of individual decision-making allows for cognitive limitations, where these can be expressed in terms of information costs. There remain significant gaps in economic theory, though, so far as anthropological applications are concerned, for example, in the economics of language and the economics of social control. The paper shows how the application of economics can be extended to these and other issues. In the light of this, it is argued that anthropologists can and should now make greater use of economic principles in their research.

Keywords

economics anthropology language information

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Economics and Anthropology—Reluctant Partners

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