norm of reciprocity

The norm of reciprocity is a social rule that encourages people to respond to kind actions with kindness and to negative actions with negativity. Essentially, when someone does something nice for you, you feel compelled to return the favor; similarly, if someone harms you, there's an instinct to retaliate or reciprocate in kind. This pattern helps build trust and cooperation within communities, as mutual exchanges create predictable and balanced relationships. It’s a fundamental principle that influences social interactions and helps maintain social harmony.