Reciprocity is the act of exchange between members of society. A specific type of Reciprocity may vary significantly from community to another based on culture, norms, and expectations.
Generalized Reciprocity is characterized by giving emotional, physical, and material support without expectation of immediate repay from the receiver. It is usually practiced between parents and children or between a husband and wife in a good relationship. Animals practice this kind of Reciprocity except they do not expect or ask for any sort of payback which almost never happens.
Generalized Reciprocity is quite expected from a mother, as she supports her helpless baby and provides shelter, protection, nourishment, love, and or education. A mother usually does this instinctively very willing and unconditionally to guarantee her baby will grow stronger, independent, be able to support itself and survive in the world as an adult extension of her genes.
In American society, Parents mostly consider their children a gift and a blessing. It is almost a favor granted to be able to raise a child. American parents usually give unconditionally, support, feed, assign private rooms to children, and pay thousands of dollars for college education. Parents typically have a minimal expectation of payback. However, when they get older, sick or disabled, children may provide help. Frequently, elder American parents refuse help from their children because they prefer their independence and freedom and they do not want to be a burden on their children. Also, because the American Society provides support and more comfortable life for the elders. The American Society enables parents to practice Generalized Reciprocity in which no payback is expected or required almost like animal Generalized Reciprocity.
In some other societies, having children might be considered a burden. Raising good children is a favor on behalf of the parents. Sometimes children are considered a profitable investment and they are highly expected to pay back as soon as they are able. Children are trained and taught from an early age to respect and submit to elders and to appreciate the favor of being raised by their parents. Frequently, guilt is a potent tool to gain the appreciation and submission by constant reminding of feeding, dressing, sheltering and schooling. Also, by comparing to alternative life without support as homelessness, child labor, prostitution or slavery which are prevalent in many poor countries. In these societies, children are expected and in many cases demanded to pay back. Zhang Zefang a Chines elderly mother sued her children for not taking care of her. Generalized Reciprocity may turn to Balanced Reciprocity in this case. It becomes a Balanced Reciprocity when the parents believe it is their absolute right to receive back from their children. Also when Parents complains to friends and family, or gossip about their children not helping enough, or being ungrateful children. This may sound too dark, but it is widespread and routine in other societies.
In America, life is more comfortable, and that's why parents practice Generalized Reciprocity and do not expect payback from their children even though the Law in 29 States obligate adult children to support their parents financially, but it is rarely enforced. In other societies, life is robust, and parents may suffer raising their children, so it is the norm to expect payback as in Balanced Reciprocity. The Law in India, Singapore, France, and Ukraine requires adult children to financially support their parents. It must be a great privilege to live in America.
In American society, Parents mostly consider their children a gift and a blessing. It is almost a favor granted to be able to raise a child. American parents usually give unconditionally, support, feed, assign private rooms to children, and pay thousands of dollars for college education. Parents typically have a minimal expectation of payback. However, when they get older, sick or disabled, children may provide help. Frequently, elder American parents refuse help from their children because they prefer their independence and freedom and they do not want to be a burden on their children. Also, because the American Society provides support and more comfortable life for the elders. The American Society enables parents to practice Generalized Reciprocity in which no payback is expected or required almost like animal Generalized Reciprocity.
In some other societies, having children might be considered a burden. Raising good children is a favor on behalf of the parents. Sometimes children are considered a profitable investment and they are highly expected to pay back as soon as they are able. Children are trained and taught from an early age to respect and submit to elders and to appreciate the favor of being raised by their parents. Frequently, guilt is a potent tool to gain the appreciation and submission by constant reminding of feeding, dressing, sheltering and schooling. Also, by comparing to alternative life without support as homelessness, child labor, prostitution or slavery which are prevalent in many poor countries. In these societies, children are expected and in many cases demanded to pay back. Zhang Zefang a Chines elderly mother sued her children for not taking care of her. Generalized Reciprocity may turn to Balanced Reciprocity in this case. It becomes a Balanced Reciprocity when the parents believe it is their absolute right to receive back from their children. Also when Parents complains to friends and family, or gossip about their children not helping enough, or being ungrateful children. This may sound too dark, but it is widespread and routine in other societies.
In America, life is more comfortable, and that's why parents practice Generalized Reciprocity and do not expect payback from their children even though the Law in 29 States obligate adult children to support their parents financially, but it is rarely enforced. In other societies, life is robust, and parents may suffer raising their children, so it is the norm to expect payback as in Balanced Reciprocity. The Law in India, Singapore, France, and Ukraine requires adult children to financially support their parents. It must be a great privilege to live in America.
Work Cited
Ex. Botek, Anne-Marie. “Why Old People Refuse Help.” agingcare.com . AgingCare, LLC., 20 July 2016. Web. 1 Oct. 2017. (1)
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