Bases of social obligation: the distinction between exchange and role and its consequences

Abstract

That obligations arise from both social exchanges and social roles is well established in sociology. Less appreciated is the fundamental and dichotomous nature of exchange obligation and role obligation. In the absence of an understanding of the distinction between them exchange and role obligations may be confused, as when Mauss believes the obligations he discusses come from social exchange when he in fact shows that they derive from the imperatives of social roles. Explicit awareness of the obligations associated with both social exchanges and roles can clarify and enhance ongoing research and research traditions, including social network analysis, as shown here. Discussion in the article of obligations of exchange and role affirms the unavoidability of social obligation in interactions and relationships. An irreducible distinction within the general category of obligation is also indicated.