18 - The theory of comparative, matching, or balance reciprocity

Summary

Reciprocitarian comparative sentiments

Reciprocity is motivated by comparison when the return-gift is elicited by sentiments based on a comparison between the gift and the return-gift. Such comparative reciprocity contrasts with liking reciprocity (although both are joined in a particular case, when the return giver wishes to show that she likes the other as much as she is liked by her).

Comparative reciprocities can involve various kinds of sentiments that elicit giving in return. The essential sentiment is the propriety of balancing the gift with some appropriate return gift. It has various different basic motives. Some of them focus on the overall situations, and others on the transfers (gifts). Some focus on one of the two agents, and others on both of them. Some refer to concepts or sentiments in the family of justice or fairness, whereas this is not the case for others. The sentiments or senses that can be involved are very varied: propriety, adequacy, fairness, justice, equity, equality, deserts, merit, moral indebtedness, shame, guilt, duty, or the requirement of a norm. These sentiments can be on the part of the initial receiver who gives in return, or of other people (including the initial giver). The initial receiver may care about these opinions and judgments of other people. Her decision to give in return can depend jointly on her own intrinsic judgment and on her view of other people's or society's judgments and opinions.