Domesticating the Functional Dragon: An Analysis of Piddocke's Potlatch1
Martin Orans · American Anthropologist · 1975
This work endeavors to clarify the form of the functional argument so that empirical verification may be facilitated. Piddocke's functional interpretation of the potlatch is examined in detail as a type case; other notable functional arguments with somewhat varying forms are also considered. Lastly, analysis is provided of the universal subsistence form of the functional argument.