The Norm of Reciprocity: A Preliminary Statement

1960/04/01 by Alvin W. Gouldner · 11,862 citations
Mathematics · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Law #Mathematical economics #Mathematics #Norm (philosophy) #Political Economy and Marxism #Political science #Psychology #Reciprocity (cultural anthropology) #Social psychology #Sociology #Statement (logic)

paper · doi:10.2307/2092623

published in American Sociological Review 25(2), 161 (SAGE Publishing)

openalex publication_date 1960/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

The manner in which the concept of reciprocity is implicated in functional theory is explored, enabling a reanalysis of the concepts of survival and exploitation. The need to distinguish between the concepts of complementarity and reciprocity is stressed. Distinctions are also drawn between (1) reciprocity as a pattern of mutually contingent exchange of gratifications, (2) the existential or folk belief in reciprocity, and (3) the generalized moral norm of reciprocity. Reciprocity as a moral norm is analyzed; it is hypothesized that it is one of the universal principal components of moral codes. As Westermarck states, To requite a benefit, or to be grateful to him who bestows it, is probably everywhere, at least under certain circumstances, regarded as a duty. This is a subject which in the present connection calls for special consideration. Ways in which the norm of reciprocity is implicated in the maintenance of stable social systems are examined.

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