gjensidighet

Gjensidighet is a concept denoting reciprocity or mutuality in social relations, ethics, law, and economics. It describes a pattern of exchanges where benefits, obligations, or favors are returned in kind, creating a sense of balanced or mutual obligation.

The term is Norwegian, derived from gjensidig meaning mutual, and is used to describe norms, contracts, and social expectations that rely on reciprocity rather than unilateral advantage.

In the social sciences, reciprocity is a central mechanism for sustaining social cooperation. Direct reciprocity refers to exchanging favors between two parties, with the expectation of a return from the same actor. Indirect reciprocity involves helping others to gain a reputation that encourages third parties to help in return. In economics and political science, reciprocity underpins trade norms, agreements, and treaties; in biology, reciprocal altruism describes behaviors where individuals aid others at a cost to themselves with future payoff.

In law and everyday life, gjensidighet features in contract law as mutual obligations; in social policy, mutual aid societies and community networks embody reciprocal support. International relations often use reciprocity as a principle for sanctions, recognition, and trade, aiming to maintain balance and predictability.

In Norwegian usage and beyond, the concept also appears in organization names and discourse; for example, Gjensidige Forsikring, a Norwegian insurer whose name reflects the historical idea of mutual aid among members.