Foraging communities typically practice negative reciprocity
Foraging communities typically practice negative reciprocity to maintain balance and fairness within the group. Negative reciprocity refers to the exchange of goods or favors with an expectation of an equal or greater return. In foraging societies, individuals may engage in negative reciprocity as a means of redistributing resources and ensuring that everyone's needs are met.
For example, if one individual in a foraging community has successfully hunted and gathered more food than they need, they may engage in negative reciprocity by giving away the excess food to others in the group. In return, they expect that if they have a low food supply in the future, others will reciprocate and share with them.
This practice of negative reciprocity helps prevent hoarding of resources by any individual and ensures that everyone has access to necessary provisions. It fosters cooperation, collaboration, and a sense of communal well-being within the foraging community.