Reciproitet

Reciproitet is the principle of mutual exchange in which benefits, favors, or concessions granted by one party are expected to be returned by others in kind or in a way that benefits both sides. The concept is used across disciplines to explain why cooperation arises and persists beyond immediate self-interest.

In sociology and psychology, the norm of reciprocity describes a social obligation to repay benefits received, which helps sustain social networks and trust. Cultural norms shape what counts as an appropriate return and over what timescale, leading to variation in how reciprocity is practiced.

In biology and economics, reciprocal altruism describes costly helping that is repaid later, increasing long-term fitness or material payoff. In game theory, strategies such as Tit-for-Tat model reciprocity to enforce cooperation, even among strangers, under conditions of repeated interaction.

In economics and politics, reciprocity underpins many agreements: bilateral trade concessions, mutual recognition of licenses, or diplomatic moves conditioned on the other party’s actions. In law, reciprocity can govern extradition, recognition of judgments, or transfer of rights and privileges between states, reflecting a mutuality of duties and benefits.

Critiques note that reciprocity can be exploited, is culturally contingent, and may fail when power is imbalanced or trust is absent. It also raises questions about fairness when returns are unequal or delayed, or when one party bears disproportionate costs.

Reciproitet remains a foundational idea in ethics and social theory, informing the design of institutions and cooperative behaviors in societies and organizations. Related concepts include the norm of reciprocity, mutualism, and reciprocal altruism.