Frank Adloff examines emotional ties that are created through the act of giving. It illustrates the importance of giving to creating a self-identity through such traits as altruism, shame and respect. It reviews economic as well as sociocultural motivations to give, expanding from the individual to the organizational and then the societal level. The essay includes such societal influences as religion and the role of the state to determine giving patterns. It juxtaposes the ideas of solidarity and hierarchy and stresses reciprocity as a basis of voluntary giving.