Abstract This article explores the relationship between economics and anthropology in the history of economic ideas, with a particular focus on the degree of interest, or lack thereof, among economists in engaging in dialogue with this social science. Four prominent economists are selected to serve as case studies: Frank Knight, Kenneth Boulding, George A. Akerlof, and Richard Posner. The article begins by examining the debate between Knight and anthropologist Melville Herskovits and shows how it resonates with existing intradisciplinary debates. It then explores the application of the anthropological concept of the gift, as mobilized by Boulding, Akerlof, and Posner, in the context of economics. This multifaceted analysis reflects a spectrum of perspectives on the boundaries between economics and anthropology and offers insights into the potential and limitations of interdisciplinary collaboration in these fields.
Véronique Dutraive (Tue,) studied this question.