Reciprocity in the sense of “mutuality” (from Latin reciprocare, “turn back”) is closely related to the concept of a gift. In all periods, we find the expectation that a gift requires a gift in return. But reciprocity need not mean a gift of objectively equal value. The value of the reciprocated gift is culturally relative and can also be defined differently in different historical periods. Reciprocity relationships of other cultures or periods therefore often appear asymmetrical but can definitely be understoo…
Reciprocity(773 words)
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Gareis, Iris, “Reciprocity”, in: Encyclopedia of Early Modern History Online, Editors of the English edition: Graeme Dunphy, Andrew Gow. Original German Edition: Enzyklopädie der Neuzeit. Im Auftrag des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts (Essen) und in Verbindung mit den Fachherausgebern herausgegeben von Friedrich Jaeger. Copyright © J.B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung und Carl Ernst Poeschel Verlag GmbH 2005–2012. Consulted online on 03 October 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2352-0272_emho_SIM_026703>
First published online: 2015
First print edition: 20210107
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