Question

Describe the differences between generalized, balanced, and negative reciprocity. Cite specific examples of each of these from your readings, and make comparisons with these forms of economic distribution in our society.

Answer 1

Reciprocity or redistribution is the basis of non-market economies. Reciprocity is a direct exchange of products or services, whereas redistribution relates to the motion of products or services to society members from a key authority.

There are three reciprocity kinds: widespread, balanced, and negative. Generalized reciprocity relates to an exchange that does not involve value calculation or instant repayment of products or services. Usually this occurs between near relatives and friends; e.g.Kung hunters share meat with other family members or purchase a cup of a friend's coffee. It functions as a type of kin-to-kin social security— sharing with family guarantees they share with you in turn. There is an aspect of altruism in generalized reciprocity. Think of a individual making a lot of sandwiches and then handing them over to the homeless. That individual distributes food without reimbursement expectations.

Balanced reciprocity includes calculating the value of the products or services and repaying them within a defined timeframe. Some foragers are going to swap wild game for contemporary hunting tools like metal knives. Horticulturalists can exchange machetes for some of their product. Store owners can exchange products for qualified traders ' services. Gift-giving is another instance of balanced reciprocity in contemporary culture. As adolescents, we expect to receive a donation of equal value in exchange at a fixed point in the future when gifts are given. For example, if we receive a birthday gift from a friend, we are anticipated to offer a donation of comparable importance to that friend on her birthday

Negative reciprocity happens when one party tries to exchange more than the other. This can occur by hard-negotiating, deceiving, stealing, or even selling food at an inflated cost because there is no other alternative ; for example, vendors at unique events.