Reciprocity, at its core, is a form of exchange. It involves giving, receiving, and making an effort to repay or return in kind. To “reciprocate” is to engage in this exchange. The term “reciprocate” comes from the Latin “reciprocus”, which means returning the same way. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of reciprocate in different contexts, including psychology, sociology, and relationships.
Contextual Meanings of Reciprocate
Reciprocity in Psychology:
In psychology, reciprocity refers to the social norm of responding to a positive action with another positive action. It is the expectation that people will respond to a positive action with another positive action to acknowledge the initial positive action. For example, if someone gives you a gift, you feel compelled to give a gift back – that’s reciprocation.
Reciprocity in Social Interactions:
When applied to social interactions and relationships, reciprocity applies this concept to emotional exchanges. If someone shares a deep secret or expresses love, the other individual may feel compelled to reciprocate by revealing something equally personal or expressing similar emotions. This behaviour helps to strengthen bonds and build trust in a relationship.
Reciprocity in Business:
In the world of business, reciprocation can be seen in networking and negotiations. This can involve returning a favour, such as offering business referrals to someone who has referred business to you. In negotiations, it could involve making concessions to those who have made concessions to you.
Examples of Reciprocating in Everyday Life
To understand the meaning of reciprocating better, consider the following examples:
During the holiday season, if one of your neighbours brings over a plate of homemade cookies, you might feel inclined to reciprocate by gifting them something in return, such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.
If a friend helps you move into a new apartment, you might reciprocate by helping them the next time they move or by buying them dinner as a thank you for their help.
At work, if a colleague covers for you while you’re away, you might reciprocate by offering to cover for them in the future.
The act of reciprocating is not always immediate, and it does not always take the same form as the original action. It’s the intention and action to return the favour that matters.
Reciprocation is deeply ingrained in human interactions and relationships, underpinning social norms and expectations. In essence, to reciprocate means to return a behaviour, sentiment or action in kind, contributing to the ebb and flow of social exchanges, relationships and even economic transactions. This ensures balance and fairness in our interactions, helping to maintain harmony and goodwill.