The Norm of Reciprocity(Gouldner, 1960)

Gouldner, Alvin W., 1960, "The Norm of Reciprocity", American Sociological Review, 25(2): 161~178.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2092623

The manner in which the concept of reciprocity is implicated infunctional theory is explored, enabling a reanalysis of the conceptsof "survival" and "exploitation." The need to distinguish between theconcepts of complementarity and reciprocity is stressed. Distinctionsare also drawn between (1) reciprocity as a pattern of mutually contingent exchange of gratifications, (2) the existential or folk belief in reciprocity, and (3) the generalized moral norm of reciprocity. Reciprocity as a moral norm is analyzed; it is hypothesized that it is one of the universal "principal components"of moral codes. As Westermarck states, "To requite a benefit, or to be grateful to him who bestows it, is probably everywhere, at least under certain circumstances, regarded as a duty. This is a subject which in the present connection calls for special consideration."Ways in which the norm of reciprocity is implicated in the maintenance of stable social systems are examined.

#Social systems #Functionalism #Conformity #Social theories #Gratification #Social interaction #Morality #Social structures #Polemics

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아직 읽어보진 못했지만, '협동의 말들'로 인지인류학적 분석을 해보는 방식도 가능하겠다는 스쳐가는 생각이 있어서 일단 여기에 메모를 남긴다.