In every culture around the world there is some sort of system of exchange. There are various types of exchange across the world's cultures, and today's blog post will address one type of exchange: reciprocity. Reciprocity is exchange between social equals. It can occur in three distinct ways: generalized reciprocity, balanced reciprocity, and negative reciprocity. Each of these types will be addressed further herein.
Generalized
reciprocity is most common type of reciprocity. It involves two or more
parties/individuals, typically who have some sort of close relationship. They give with no specific expectation of
exchange but with a reliance upon similar opportunities being available to the
giver. This is most similar to Western cultural versions of doing someone
a favor or buying each other coffee with the expectation that the other
person will eventually repay the original buyer. Generalized reciprocity is common among
foraging groups who will provide goods and services to those in need with the
expectation of a return of those goods and services when there is future
need.
Balanced
reciprocity involves more distantly related partners. It involves giving with the expectation of
equivalent (but not necessarily immediate) exchange. This is most similar to our market exchange
system where people will pay money for specific goods-be they received now or
in the future. This type of reciprocal
exchange is common in tribal societies.
It has serious ramifications for the relationship of trading partners if
there is ever a feeling of unequal exchange or a bad deal being made.
The last type of is
negative reciprocity. It involves exchange(s)
among very distant trading partners and is characterized by each partner
attempting to maximize profit and an expectation of immediate exchange. This is commonly found in market economies, such
as among bidding wars among individuals or businesses, and it can also be found
in the silent barter system between Mbuti foragers and horticulturalist
neighbors. Ultimately, this type of
exchange is characterized by a “winner,” or someone who feels like they got a great
deal, and a “loser,” someone who feels like they lost out on the deal.
So next time you
find yourself in a system of exchange consider what type of exchange you are
participating in. For example, if you
get someone a birthday gift do you give it with the assumption that the
receiver will give you a gift on your birthday (generalized reciprocity), or
are you getting some thing immediately for that exchange (e.g. a valued
friendship or a promotion at work), which would be balanced reciprocity. Will you feel slighted if you never receive a
gift back (e.g. negative reciprocity)?
Just one simple act can be defined in many multiple reciprocal ways.
References
Welsch, R.L. & L.A.
Vivanco. (2015). Cultural Anthropology: Asking Questions About
Humanity. Oxford University Press.
26 comments:
A lot of people use generalized reciprocity in today’s society without even knowing. I say this because there are a lot of people that buy some one something or do something for someone with intentions of getting something in return such as material things instead of buying or doing something for someone just because. When you think about in all three reciprocity’s are getting something as a result of doing something. The results in all three can be good or bad depending on how you look at it, such as if buy someone something and expecting a gift right back in some people’s eyes that might be being greedy (bad) but in others it can be good because of an unspoken social contract that every society has. In the end it really just depends on how you look at the three different types and how you use them.
—Monya’ Smith
I agree with the blog that generalized reciprocity is the most common type of reciprocity because people tend to always expect something in return after giving. It seems like all three of these reciprocities are all eventually expecting something in return. After giving someone a gift I personally do not expect anything in return from them neither immediately nor later, simply because I gave them that gift out of the kindness of my heart. I feel if someone is giving only to expect something in return it was never genuine.
-China Toins
According to the blog and my life experiences generalized reciprocity is most common in society. If we do something for another person they are expecting something in return. If we don't get anything in return we will not help that person anymore which will be characterized as negative reciprocity. One example that I could think of using generalized reciprocity would be a mother and their children, the mother would do anything for their kids without asking them anything in return but later in life she is expecting them to take care of her when she gets old.
-Aide Gonzalez
I think generalized reciprocity is the most common type of exchange. We give a gift and expect to receive something in return.
After reading the blog, I agree that generalized reciprocity is the most common form of exchange. A lot of the things we do in life are fueled by the thoughts of being rewarded with praise or either materialistic objects. However I also believe that negative reciprocity can be a common exchange among close friend groups. For example you and your group of friends go out for a night of fun, one of your friends forgets to bring money along. you could use generalized reciprocity and expect the money back after paying for your friend, but most of the time you help your friends because it's something you want to do, not because you expect something in return.
-Mariah White
I agree with the blog post, that generalized reciprocity is the most common reciprocity. Now days the majority of people aren't doing things for people unless they can get something out of it for them selves. I feel that me and most of the people close to me practice balance reciprocity because everything that we do for each other or other people, its strictly because we want to. Not for what we can get in return or anything at all if that.
-Dion Howard
i agree that generalized reciprocity is the most common reciprocity form of exchange. but i also believe that balance reciprocity is pretty common to. i feel like it is all depends on if a person expecting something back in return. The family and friends i hang around practices balance reciprocity, we do something because we love and care for the next, not for what we can get back in return.
Micah Seals
I agree with the blog post, that generalized reciprocity is the most common reciprocity and is one i would most likely take part of. Now days the majority of people aren't doing things for people unless they can get something out of it for them selves, or if they don't get things immediately. this is because we live in a microwave generation in which most believe that they should receive Reciprocity immediately.
others like Dion Howard believe that most people practice balance reciprocity because everything that they do for each other or other people is strictly because they want to." Not for what they can get in return or anything at all if that."
All and all this was a great post, not only did it show me how i act on an individual level and why i act the way i do. It also raised my awareness of the different kinds of people in this microwave generation that we all are part of.
I find it amusing that my friend and I had a generalized/balanced reciprocity moment tonight over our plates of sushi. I was trying a new dish and she ordered her tried and true favorite. I had never tried her roll before and her mine. She started with offered me a piece to try and I soon after put one of my piece on her plate. This is a common practice for my close friends as family.
B.nicole Clements 411anth
After reading this blog, I believe that generalized reciprocity tends to happen the most between our peers, associates, and significant others. typically we give gifts to one another expecting some sort of gratitude in return when you should give things out of kindness and to make the other person happy
Jay Westray
i believe that generalized reciprocity is the problem with some of are people becuase you have some people that will give you gifts just because they either grew up that way or they was taught to be nice to others but you do have the other people that will not give you anything but will expect you to give them something.
I enjoyed reading this article, because it explained everything so well and it really let me know what kind of people we have in today's society. If i give someone a gift I'm doing it out the kindness of my heart. I honestly don't expect anything back from anyone, but today majority of the people I'm around or meet expect things back. People don't do things because they are kind to you. They do it because they care about you , and when it's their birthday or they need something they know to call you looking for it. I feel like we don't know how to be nice to one another anymore. Everyone always wants something. - Alexis Buford
I agree with this blog, the reason why i agree with this blog is because its like when you help people out or you do things for people just out the kindness of your heart it bring you good sins in life.
Akwila Cooks
I found interest in reading this article. People do a lot of things based off how much they care about you or they know that they can also depend on you so that will do the same for you. When I give to others I don't expect anything back.
According to the blog and my life experiences generalized reciprocity is most common in society. Now of days is really only few people (speaking from experience) that doesn’t want something in return if they do something for you . Like I have a cousin who goes to the mall like almost everyday and let’s say she gets you something. She will call you and say I got you something but you have to pay me back after she calls you and say she got u something. Also not just in cash let’s say you going out somewhere she expects you to bring her something back or she would bring it up until she gets something even if you didn’t even ask her to get you something. But I’m the type of person that I don’t mind do something for someone or giving something to someone but it’s a limit to my giving because people can use your kindness for weakness and use you . Also all of the reciprocit’s you are giving to somebody even if it’s good or bad . Saying that to say I took from this that society today it’s all about giving even if it’s with good intentions or bad people will give .
—T’Liyah Townsend
I find this post interesting because that is what this world is made of and is how society works. Depending on the situation is determined on the type that is being used. Personally, generalized reciprocity is typically what I use because of how I was raised, I am a giver, not a receiver, although receiving still is a blessing.
- Anthony Townsend
This blog was very interesting, I have always thought of the idea of gift giving to be frustrating. When I give a gift or do something special for someone I never expect anything in return, but as time goes on and I notice I am the only one giving and never receiving anything in return not necessarily a gift but something to show I am appreciated I start to question why I am always helping others.
After reading this post I do realize the differences of reciprocity. Generalized reciprocity is obviously the most common one within our society however I was raised to go more in a left direction. My mother always told me if you are going to do something for someone then to do it out of the kindness of your heart and don't expect anything in return. If you have to expect something in return I personally feel like you shouldn't do it at all. Life is hard already even harder for most so if you can do something to make life a little easier for another human being then why not?
-Apre'shana Page
This blog is a reflection of today. When receiving something as a gift you feel good but if you're the person giving it brings you a great feeling and pleasure. I agree, within our society generalized reciprocity is the most common.But growing up i think all of our parents wanted us to get use to giving and not recieving because st the end of the day I would get blessed for it.
This is a very interesting topic... I feel that the first two formations of reciprocity are true, and they both do happen, but as for the negative reciprocity, I feel like that is more of a feeling, than it is a type of giving. I was always taught that when you give something to someone, do it as a gift. Something that you aren't expecting to get back in return, but just something from your heart. If they return the favor then that's great, if not, that's fine too.
This is a interesting article. And have never thought about the different types of reciprocity. As I have gotten older I have enjoyed gift giving with my siblings and parents for Holidays. What I receive has become less important to me.
-Logan Shea
Generalized reciprocity is without a doubt the most common form of exchange. The example that was given for that was perfect. This form of trade is pretty mutual between people. But when the favor is not returned when it was expected is when there might be some issues or tough feelings. I enjoyed this article because it was very informative and it is something that I did not know or even ever think of. Great post.
Kahla Perry
My name is Tonii Saffore. It's funny to me that there is a rank of reciprocity, to be honest I didn't even know that there was a name for the intentions of giving to receive. I have always placed myself in the generalized category because I give because it makes me feel good, not because I want something in return. I do think that its important to let people know your intentions first. If you are giving something and expect immediate return and that person is not clear of that and than is not able to return the favor fast enough it can cause conflict.
I agree with the blog that generalized reciprocity is the most common type of reciprocity because now-a-days people give or do something for someone and then expects something back in return. People rarely do anything genuine anymore.
-Kyla Thomas
It was interesting to learn of all the different types of reciprocity. I believe the type I've seen the most myself is balanced reciprocity which occurs when shopping or purchasing goods.
Elaine christopher
The various forms of reciprocity that exist in social relationships, including negative, balanced, and generalized reciprocity. These reciprocity models shape the dynamics of relationships and economic transactions between individuals and groups in a variety of social system scenarios. The world wouldn't be balanced without it.- Brooklyn Blair
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