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Generalized Exchange, Risk, and Solidarity: A View from the Laboratory

Linda Molm, The University of Arizona

Description

Semester:

  • Winter 2009

Speakers:

Linda Molm, Sociology Department, The University of Arizona

Lecture Time:

Fri, January 16, 2009 @ 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Lecture Location:

Room K1310, Ross School of Business

Speaker Webpage(s):

http://sociology.arizona.edu/faculty/molm/

Introduced By:

No introduction available.

Abstract

Generalized Exchange, Risk, and Solidarity: A View from the Laboratory

Since the classic theories of Homans and Blau, the sociological tradition of social exchange has focused almost exclusively on relations of direct exchange. Recently, however, both exchange theorists and organizational researchers have shown renewed interest in generalized exchange systems, in which exchange takes place among three or more actors and reciprocity is indirect. This interest revolves around two central issues: the puzzle of how and why generalized exchange systems can be established and maintained, and the classic anthropological prediction that generalized exchange produces greater solidarity than direct exchange. This seeming paradox — that, on the one hand, generalized exchange is inherently fragile (difficult to establish and susceptible to collapse) and, on the other hand, a source of great solidarity (including trust and affective bonds) — is the topic of this talk. I discuss two recent experimental studies testing competing theories of the relation between generalized exchange and solidarity. I then link their conflicting results to the paradox of fragility and solidarity in generalized exchange and the role of risk in producing both.

Recording & Additional Notes

Guest Curator: Wayne Baker, Ross School of Business
Introducer: Kathryn Dekas, Management & Organizations