Reciprocity: An Economics of Social Relations (Federico Caffè Lectures)
Cambridge University Press, 5/22/2008
EAN 9780521882651, ISBN10: 0521882656
Hardcover, 404 pages, 21.6 x 14 x 2.7 cm
Language: English
Reciprocity is the basis of social relations. It permits a peaceful and free society in which people and rights are respected. The essence of families and communities, it also enables the working of markets and organisations, while correcting their main failures. Reciprocity is also a basis of politics, and it justifies social policies. Although the importance of reciprocity has been widely recognised in other social sciences, it has, until recently, been somewhat ignored in economic analysis. Over the past three decades, economic theorist and moral philosopher Serge-Christophe Kolm has been at the forefront of research into the economics of the deepest aspects of societies. In Reciprocity, he provides a unique in-depth analysis of the motives, conducts, and effects of reciprocal relationships. In doing this, he explains crucial functionings of society and its economy, and the ways in which they can be improved. This book should be read by economists, sociologists, philosophers, and anyone concerned with understanding the economy of social relationships and its far-reaching consequences.
List of figures
Foreword
Part I. Facts and Forms
1. Presentation
2. Evidence and scope
3. Giving and exchanges
4. Forms and structures of reciprocity
Part II. Motives
5. The three worlds of reciprocity
6. Balance reciprocity
7. Liking reciprocities
8. Other reciprocities
continuation, relational, imitation, extended
9. Reciprocity and social sentiments
10. Reciprocity in the modes of economic realisation
Part III. Values and Reasons
11. The values of reciprocity
12. Reciprocal corrections of market failures
13. Reciprocity in trust, and intrinsic values
14. Normative uses of reciprocity
15. The logic of good social relations
16. How and why? Understanding and explaining reciprocity
Part IV. The Economics of Reciprocity
17. General methodology of reciprocity analysis
18. The theory of comparative, matching, or balance reciprocity
19. The theory of liking reciprocity
20. Strategic interaction and process preferences
21. General properties about processes
22. Solutions of reciprocity games - comparisons
23. Reciprocity in the understanding of society and its economy
References and bibliography.