These, among other studies (e.g., Bohannan 1955; Polanyi 1957; Sahlins 1972) unveiled the social and cultural aspects of exchange relations that macroeconomic interpre? tations of economic activity, focusing on rational, profit-maximizing behavior, ignored. As the capitalist economy penetrates into social life across the globe, social scientists continue to contribute to a critical examination of how the market economy may be shaping local socioeconomic relationships and culture.