Question

Compare and contrast social currency amongst US Teens and the Trobrianders. What form does it take? How is it earned? What purpose does it serve? What purpose does it really serve? How do they differ? What implications do the different forms have individually and in the broader society?

Answer 1

The social currency being used among teens are the social media likes and comments. They are looking for approval and acceptance via these social currencies. However, among the Trobrianders, the social currencies' value differ based on the social status of the individual. The social currencies are earned according to the status of the individual.

The social currencies used by the US teens are supposed to serve as a bse for the relationship formation among the individuals, however, it has turned to something more than just it.

The social status among the Tobrianders is earned based on the Yam houses. A full Yam house indicates power and prestige. The yam is used as the social curreny among them, and the person having a full Yam house is considered high in social status. Such a high value of Yams among the people of the islands is mainly due to their high nutritional value.