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Bases of social obligation : The distinction between exchange and role and its consequences
Barbalet, Jack
Barbalet, Jack
Author
Abstract
That obligations arise from both social exchanges and social roles is well established in sociology. Less appreciated is the fundamental and dichotomous nature of exchange obligation and role obligation. In the absence of an understanding of the distinction between them exchange and role obligations may be confused, as when Mauss believes the obligations he discusses come from social exchange when he in fact shows that they derive from the imperatives of social roles. Explicit awareness of the obligations associated with both social exchanges and roles can clarify and enhance ongoing research and research traditions, including social network analysis, as shown here. Discussion in the article of obligations of exchange and role affirms the unavoidability of social obligation in interactions and relationships. An irreducible distinction within the general category of obligation is also indicated.
Keywords
Durkheim, Goffman, Marilyn Strathern, Mary Douglas, Mauss, social exchange theory
Date
2020
Type
Journal article
Journal
Distinktion
Book
Volume
21
Issue
3
Page Range
334-349
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
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Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
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Controlled