Question

Explain reciprocity and its three forms. Give specific examples of each form and discuss the type of social distance involved in each. Why is social distance important in exchanges?

Answer 1

Reciprocity is the direct exchange of things and called as a non-market exchange. It is somewhat similar to the barter system where the exchange of things was made complete survival. the In barter system, if an indidivual is having enough salt, then he will give sallt to other person in excjnage to sometrhing which he is not having. There are three forms of reciprocity:

Generalized reciprocity: it is somewhat called altruism, in which time of return gift in undefined.

Symmetrical reciprocity: In this, there is the delay of exchange, or simply called as the gift exchange.

Negative reciprocity: Individual gets maximum benefit by not returning the things.

Social distance in important in exchange, it means that by exchanging thing, we keep our relatives and kins with us. We can maintain our relation strong with simple exchange of goods/