Reciprocity (social psychology)

In sociology, the term reciprocity reciprocity (also called the principle of reciprocity ) and constitutes a fundamental principle of human action

This is derived from the Latin ( or reciprocare reciprocus ) and can have the following meanings:

• Another with respect
• Mutually
• Reciprocally
• Inversely related to each other standing.

In numerous sociological theories similar issues under the term "exchange " (exchange ) are treated - see swap (sociology).

Origin

The original Latin word stands for:

• Back flow, flows back and forth
• Interact
• Back control
• Move backward
• Back and forth
• Returning ( on the same path )
• Based on reciprocity (in the case of a business relationship or partnership )

Reciprocity in sociology

In sociology, it is regarded as a universal social principle. People are dependent on each other, reciprocity even belongs to a condition of the human becoming itself through mutual relationships and develop mutual trust.

Well-known studies that deal with this phenomenon, often from ethnology. Examples are Malinowski's study of the Kularing on the Trobriand Islands. This is to facilitate the exchange of shell necklaces and watch bands, which led to close ties between the inhabitants of remote islands. Another classic is Marcel Mauss, who wrote about the gift as a relationship- pin element, but also about the ability to manifest the social distance by the gift.

We can distinguish at least four forms of reciprocity in sociology:

Direct "real" reciprocity

Simplest rule is the " Tit for Tat ". From this Reziprozitätsform also barter is derived, from which the modern market is to be developed. Marcel Mauss described for the exchange of gifts, the following rules, which oblige the parties to each other:

While the partner who made ​​the opening gift, waiting for the return gift, there is an uncertainty phase, which is particularly important for the relationship. During this time, the relationship of two sides is influenced by expectations.

Generalized reciprocity

A distinction generalizations over a longer period and generalization about a particular feature. While in the direct reciprocity compensation for a gift or an action in the foreground, individual gifts are forgotten with time. An example of the generalization over time are intergenerational relationships. Parents provide care services and material support for their children. In many cases is therefore anticipated by the children in the event of long-term care of the parents that they " reciprocate " the benefits towards them. Characteristics that take place over which generalizations can be very diverse. For example, it may be Landsmannschaft, skin color or gender, etc.. Generalized a feature means that for someone a service is provided, without a counter-gift of exactly that person they zugutekam, could be expected. A gift in return may be expected at a later date by someone else who shares the characteristic of the receiver.

Reciprocity of positions (reciprocal role relationships )

This means that a system of pulleys certain positions at the same time have a counterpart, without which they would not exist. An example of this is the father with his child. Without child the man would not have held the position of his father.

Reciprocity of perspective

Reciprocity of perspective is the ability to take the position of another. You can be the sociology of knowledge considered as a condition of mutual understanding. This idea is mainly associated with Theodor Litt (1926 ), George Herbert Mead (1934 ) and Alfred Schutz (1971).

Although reciprocity is a basic social fact, it is regulated and shaped by numerous relations and administration standards.