Reciprocitatea

Reciprocitatea, commonly translated as reciprocity, is a principle in social life describing the mutual exchange of favors, services, or signals of goodwill with the expectation of a return. It is a fundamental norm in many cultures and a central concept in sociology, anthropology, psychology, and international relations. The term derives from Latin reciprocus, meaning “returning the same way.” In anthropology, Marcel Mauss described reciprocity as the obligation to give, to receive, and to return gifts, and distinguished three forms: generalized reciprocity (gift giving without precise accounting, common among kin and close communities), balanced reciprocity (an expected equivalent return within a time frame), and negative reciprocity (attempts to gain advantage).

In psychology and evolutionary biology, reciprocal altruism explains how cooperation can evolve among non-relatives when individuals interact repeatedly, monitor each other’s behavior, and punish defection. Trust, reputational incentives, and future reciprocity support cooperative networks.

In social and economic life, reciprocity underpins norms of exchange and cooperation, from personal relationships to markets and organizations. In international relations and law, reciprocity governs bilateral deals, sanctions, and recognition where concessions or privileges are granted in expectation of a reciprocal response, sometimes leading to escalation if reciprocation becomes coercive.

Though often stabilizing, reciprocity can also generate cycles of retaliation or inequality if the returned value is systematically skewed or exploited.

See also: quid pro quo; social norm of reciprocity; gift economy.