Who gave the concepts of ‘balanced reciprocity’ and ‘generalised reciprocity’?

The concepts of "balanced reciprocity" and "generalized reciprocity" were introduced by the renowned anthropologist Marshall Sahlins. These concepts are integral to understanding the various forms of exchange systems observed in different societies.

1. Balanced Reciprocity:
   Balanced reciprocity refers to an exchange system characterized by the expectation of immediate or relatively prompt return of equal value. In this form of exchange, individuals or groups engage in transactions with the anticipation of receiving something of comparable worth in return. The emphasis is on maintaining a sense of fairness and equity in the exchange process. Balanced reciprocity is often observed in interactions between acquaintances, neighbors, or members of the same community who engage in mutually beneficial exchanges without strict calculations of precise equivalence. It fosters social ties and cooperation within social networks.

2. Generalized Reciprocity:
   Generalized reciprocity, on the other hand, involves exchanges where the expectation of immediate or direct reciprocation is absent. In this form of exchange, individuals give without the explicit anticipation of receiving something in return. The focus is on generosity, altruism, and the well-being of others rather than strict calculations of reciprocity. Generalized reciprocity is often observed in relationships characterized by high levels of trust, intimacy, and social solidarity, such as within families, close-knit communities, or among close friends. Reciprocity in this context is more open-ended, with the understanding that acts of giving will be reciprocated in some form over time, although not necessarily in a direct or immediate manner.

Marshall Sahlins introduced these concepts in his influential work "Stone Age Economics" (1972), where he examined various forms of exchange systems across different societies, including hunter-gatherer communities. Sahlins argued that these different modes of reciprocity are not fixed or mutually exclusive but rather represent points along a continuum of exchange practices, influenced by cultural norms, social relationships, and economic conditions. His analysis shed light on the diverse ways in which human societies organize their economic activities and underscored the importance of reciprocity in shaping social relations and maintaining social cohesion.