Denying reciprocity

Jenkins, David (2016) Denying reciprocity. European Journal of Political Theory, 15 (3). pp. 312-332. ISSN 1474-8851

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Abstract

When individuals receive benefits as a result of the burdens assumed by other people, they are expected to make a return in similar form. To do otherwise is considered as a failure to treat those other people with appropriate respect. It is this which justifies the expectation that individuals share in the labour that is necessary to preserve just institutions and productive practices that characterise complex schemes of social cooperation. In this paper, I argue that where benefits do not meet thresholds specifying the expected function and efficacy of those benefits, this does not simply issue in a ‘downward adjustment’ in the work expectations and reciprocal demands that are made of people. Rather, it legitimates refusal to engage in productive labour even where limited benefits are still being received. Other costs and obligations emerge that contribute to the creation of disruptive political, economic and social associations. These not only replace the demands of reciprocity but actively target and disrupt the practices and exchanges that give form to reciprocity.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://ept.sagepub.com/
Additional Information:	© 2015 The Author
Divisions:	Government
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) J Political Science > JC Political theory
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2016 11:25
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2024 07:08
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/67443

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