Generalized exchange is a type of social exchange in which a desired outcome that is sought by an individual is not dependent on the resources provided by that individual.[1] It is assumed to be a fundamental social mechanism that stabilizes relations in society by unilateral resource giving in which one's giving is not necessarily reciprocated by the recipient, but by a third party.[2] Thus, in contrast to direct or restricted exchange or reciprocity,[3] in which parties exchange resources with each other, generalized exchange naturally involves more than two parties.[2] Examples of generalized exchange include; matrilateral cross-cousin marriage and helping a stranded driver on a desolate road.[4]
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