Final answer:
Big-man and big-woman leadership in Papua New Guinea is correctly associated with a redistributive form of economic exchange, marked by the accumulation and equitable distribution of wealth to establish influence and community leadership, making the statement true.
Step-by-step explanation:
Big-man and big-woman leadership, of the kind found in Papua New Guinea, is most closely associated with a redistributive form of economic exchange. This is true. The big man is an informal leader who gains influence and respect through accumulating wealth and then redistributing this wealth through acts such as sponsoring feasts and helping young men pay bride wealth. This establishes their status and authority in the community. Their power comes from persuasion rather than coercion, and their ability to effectively redistribute wealth equitably is critical for their role and respect in the community. It contrasts with centralized societies where authority is based on formal positions and hierarchies.