Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture

KEY CONCEPTS

TERMBASES

Reciprocity as a Social Norm

Etiquette requires reciprocity and mutual benefit. It refers to contacts and interactions between individuals, between organizations, and between nations and implies equality and mutual benefit in interpersonal and inter-state relations. Sometimes, it also means that one should treat the other party in the way the other party treats you. It is similar to “Treating the other person the way he treats you.”

CITATION

Etiquette values reciprocity and mutual benefit. It would go against it if someone who has received a gift does not reciprocate such goodwill. When one acts according to such etiquette, one will enjoy peace. Without it, one will cause trouble. (The Book of Rites)

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CORRELATION

Li (Rites / Social Norms/ Propriety)
Li (礼) is a general term for social norms which regulate an individual’s relationship with other people, everything else in nature, and even ghosts and spirits. By setting various regulations about ceremonial vessels, rituals, and systems, rites define an individual’s specific status and corresponding duty and power, thereby differentiating between people in a community in terms of age, kinship, and social status. With such differentiations, the rites determine the proper position of each individual, thus achieving harmony among human beings, and between humanity and everything else in nature.

KEY CONCEPTS

Reciprocity as a Social Norm

CORRELATION

Li (Rites / Social Norms/ Propriety)