Abstract
This chapter discusses the role and function of cooperation and reciprocity in the development of ultrasocial human societies. Patterns of sharing of resources that include kin selection and reciprocal altruism are described as well as the ways that social groups deal with the ever-present problem of free-riders. Emotions that accompany patterns of exchange include feelings of obligation and indebtedness as well as gratitude. The role of gratitude as a feature and reinforcement of social exchange is presented. The basic elements of gratitude include a benefit, a benefactor, and a beneficiary. Sentiments of gratitude emerge out of an interaction in response to generous, thoughtful, and caring gestures as well as an unanticipated benefit.
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Elfers, J., Hlava, P. (2016). Foundations of Gratitude: Human Cooperation and Reciprocity. In: The Spectrum of Gratitude Experience. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-41030-2_2
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