11 - The values of reciprocity

Summary

The issues

Relations of reciprocity have a number of good consequences – some of which are very important – and also sometimes bad ones. Very briefly, they will be shown to permit a generally peaceful and free society and to correct “failures” of markets and organizations in various ways, liking reciprocities are appreciated for liking and balance reciprocities for social balance or fairness, and yet reciprocities may also take the place of an efficient price system and balance reciprocity is sometimes imposed by oppressive norms. Understanding these effects is important for two reasons, acting and explaining. Indeed, reciprocity can be more or less favoured or promoted, often indirectly, by collective choices regarding institutions, rules and education, and by individual choices in choosing a type of relationship with other people in specific circumstances. These choices then have to evaluate reciprocities and try to foresee and understand their various effects. However, such wilful and conscious decisions are usually only a small part of the causes of reciprocities or of their absence. Indeed, these modes of social relation result essentially from a social and psychological process of evolution involving the joint formation of sentiments, culture, traditions, habits, social structures, institutions, and moral and educational views.