Anthropology Practice Test 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

Reciprocity in anthropology refers to the mutual exchange of resources between individuals or groups, where all parties involved expect to give and receive something of value over time. This concept is foundational in understanding social relationships and economic systems within various cultures. Reciprocity can strengthen social bonds, build trust, and create interdependencies within communities.

Unlike a one-time exchange of goods, which lacks the ongoing relationship aspect, or the act of selling goods solely for profit, which focuses on transactional economics rather than social connections, reciprocity emphasizes the importance of relationships and the social fabric created through continuous exchanges. Additionally, it differs from the accumulation of wealth for personal gain, as reciprocity is focused on equality and mutual benefit rather than individual wealth accumulation. This interaction can occur in various forms, including generalized reciprocity (the giving without an explicit expectation of immediate return), balanced reciprocity (equal exchange), and negative reciprocity (seeking to get more than what is given).