This book argues for the centrality of Georg Simmel's social theory to the relational and processual emphases that are often considered as much more recent developments in social theory. Situating Simmel's work in particular with respect to New Vitalism and Bruno Latour's work, the book shows that Simmel has still an enormous amount to contribute.
Examining the complexities of gift-giving, this work delves into its dual nature as both a relationship and an object, emphasizing its paradoxes such as being alienable yet inalienable. By critiquing traditional notions of reciprocity and engaging with Mauss's theories, it proposes a fresh perspective that views the gift as inherently tied to loss or sacrifice. The exploration culminates in the idea of gratuitous giving as an elusive, almost unattainable concept, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of generosity and exchange.