Reciprocity: An Economics of Social Relations (Federico Caffè Lectures) - Hardcover

Kolm, Serge-Christophe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521882656 ISBN 13: 9780521882651

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Reciprocity is the basis of social relations. It permits a peaceful and free society in which people and rights are respected. The essence of families and communities, it also enables the working of markets and organizations, while correcting their main failures. Reciprocity is also a basis of politics, and it justifies social policies. Although the importance of reciprocity has been widely recognized in other social sciences, it has, until recently, been somewhat ignored in economic analysis. Over the past three decades, economic theorist and moral philosopher Serge-Christophe Kolm has been at the forefront of research into the economics of the deepest aspects of societies. In Reciprocity, he provides a unique in-depth analysis of the motives, conducts, and effects of reciprocal relationships. In doing this, he explains crucial functionings of society and its economy, and the ways in which they can be improved. This book should be read by economists, sociologists, philosophers, and anyone concerned with understanding the economy of social relationships and its far-reaching consequences.

About this title

Book Description:

Reciprocity is a crucial part of our social and economic lives, yet until recently it has been somewhat ignored by economists. Serge-Christophe Kolm shows us that reciprocity and altruism play an important role, not just in the micro-economy of the family but also in the macro-economy of the state.

About the Author:

Serge-Christophe Kolm is Professor of Economics at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0521882656
• ISBN 13: 9780521882651
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 404