an exercise in using the “sociological imagination”

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Sociology

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The Theory of Trust

The concept of exchange theory subsists upon the action of trust . In both arguments of trust made by Blau and Coleman the underlying factors are dichotomized while Blau emphasizes reciprocity in exchange in some cultures and in other cultures no expected exchange , Coleman demands attention towards capital gain involved in social liaisons . The following will compare and contrast these two theories and bring to the foreground how exchange can be manipulated

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determining factor in the area of trust that is fundamental in its analysis is that of social complexes that is , culture . In Coleman 's approach to trust , culture is a major component to understanding the gain involved in relationships . The gain in particular is that of money . The relationships that abound in different cultures hinge upon the exchange of goods or favors and in return monetary favors are reciprocated and these are the building blocks to the relationships , If A does something for B and trusts B to reciprocate in the future this establishes an expectation in A and an obligation on the part of B (102 . In counterpoint to this theory Blau states , Yet , even for quite close relatives , except one 's immediate family , the extent of social interaction and the intimacy of the relation are not ascribed but depend on reciprocal choices (334

Both theorists share the basic groundwork for trust reciprocity , but their approaches to this are extremely different . Coleman presents the case of trust through the concept of rotating-credit . He gives Southeast Asia as an example of groups of people contributing to a central fund which is donated or bid upon by one member of the group and this continues for an extended amount of time until each member is duly given their share of the funds . Thus , the members involved in this cultural group are receiving exchanges as well as giving them all towards the goal of at one time receiving , thus , Coleman 's emphasis of trust is that of social capital , But , without a high degree of trustworthiness among the members of the group , the institution culd not exist- for a person who receives a payout early in the sequence of meetings could abscond and leave the others with a loss (103 ' Then the social ties of this group are not characterized by the neighborly judgment or reciprocity that exists in Blau 's theory

Blau 's exchange theory is centered upon a person 's culture also playing part in the role of trust among peers , The basic assumption of the theory of social exchange is that persons establish social associations because they expect them to e rewarding and that they continue social interaction and expand it because they experience it to be rewarding (335 . The trust that is built up with Blau 's theory is that of expecting reciprocity to a degree . For instance , he states that if a neighbor allows a person to borrow their...