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Gift economy and well‐being: A mode of economy playing out in recovery from Rwandan tragedies

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Listed:
  • Yuko Otake
  • Fabien Hagenimana

Abstract

Previous studies challenge the assumption that economic growth improves subjective well‐being, and argue that economic growth is incompatible with not only nature conservation but also subjective well‐being. To achieve SDGs, a mode of economy that sustains both subjective well‐being and the natural environment needs to be investigated. This ethnographic study explored community‐based economy systems in post‐genocide Rwanda, and elaborated the process and mechanisms by which the contemporary gift economy facilitated subjective well‐being in culture and natural landscape. Findings showed that subjective well‐being can be achieved by applying alternative modes of economy (gift economy, sharing economy) and having access to direct sources of well‐being (natural environment, social cohesion, cultural identity, and spirituality), when basic needs are satisfied by well‐established infrastructure and social services. This study contributes to understanding why and how people can be happy without money, and illuminate a mode of economy that can benefit the sustainable development of local communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuko Otake & Fabien Hagenimana, 2021. "Gift economy and well‐being: A mode of economy playing out in recovery from Rwandan tragedies," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(5), pages 930-940, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:29:y:2021:i:5:p:930-940
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2185
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