Would this example be Balanced Reciprocity or Generalized Reciprocity?

parents pay for (gift) their child's college education while expecting the child to reciprocate by doing well in school and graduating.

I am leaning more towards generalized reciprocity since the exchange involves a gift with no real time frame for pay back and the value of this return isn't specified. However, the reason why I am not 100% sure is because in this example, the parent expects something more or less equal in return (which is balanced reciprocity).

Question

Social Studies

Micah Nielsen

22 October, 22:18

Would this example be Balanced Reciprocity or Generalized Reciprocity?

parents pay for (gift) their child's college education while expecting the child to reciprocate by doing well in school and graduating.

I am leaning more towards generalized reciprocity since the exchange involves a gift with no real time frame for pay back and the value of this return isn't specified. However, the reason why I am not 100% sure is because in this example, the parent expects something more or less equal in return (which is balanced reciprocity).

+1

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Amira Washington · Answer 1

You're right it's general because it's non-market and you immediately return something just as equal because you're graduating from school (hopefully a good one!) and moving on in life to attain successful lifestyle by aiming to get a good job.