Gagnkvæmni

Gagnkvæmni is the concept of reciprocity, referring to a mutual exchange of benefits, services, or obligations between people or groups. It is a central norm in many societies, helping to establish trust, cooperation, and social cohesion.

Use and scope: The term is used across anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, and law to describe how actions elicit return actions of similar kind or value. In everyday life, gifts, favors, or concessions create expectations of return.

Anthropology: Reciprocity is a core mechanism of social exchange, categorized as generalized reciprocity (unspecified return, common among kin), balanced reciprocity (return within a defined period), and negative reciprocity (attempts to maximize one’s own gain). Marcel Mauss’s The Gift argues that gifts generate social bonds and obligations that persist beyond the initial act.

Psychology and economics: The reciprocity norm influences trust and cooperation across cultures. In game theory, reciprocal strategies such as tit-for-tat promote cooperation, while disregard for reciprocity can lead to conflict. In broader economics, reciprocity helps explain charitable giving and cooperative behavior beyond pure self-interest.

Law and ethics: Reciprocity underpins many aspects of international law and diplomacy, including mutual recognition and reciprocal treatment. It also informs ethical discussions about fairness, reciprocity in social welfare, and the duties of members within a community.

Contemporary relevance: Online communities and peer-to-peer networks rely on reciprocity to sustain collaboration and resource sharing. Cultural differences shape how reciprocity is expected and practiced.

See also: Mutual aid; Social exchange theory; Gift economy; Tit-for-tat; Norm of reciprocity; Mutualism.