network-generalized exchange

Generalized exchange is a social system where the rewards an individual receives are not directly tied to what they give. This can happen between individuals, organizations, or even countries. Participants don't make their giving conditional on receiving back from the same person.

Examples include helping a stranger, donating to a public park, or sharing news. These exchanges are indirect, involving at least three parties. Early research, like Bronisław Malinowski's study of the kula exchange, highlights the ceremonial and symbolic significance of these indirect exchanges, sometimes called network-generalized or chain-generalized exchange.1

Another form is group-generalized exchange, where individuals contribute to a public good, benefiting indirectly from others' contributions. Both types can face social dilemmas, such as "free riding," where individuals benefit without contributing.1