Social Behavior as Exchange

In "Conducta social como intercambio": anotaciones a un texto classico de un autor poco clasico ("Social Behavior as Exchange": Notes on a Classic Text by a Minor Classic Author), Miguel Requena & Diaz de Revenga offer an introduction to a Spanish-language version of Homans's "Social Behavior as Exchange," originally published in the American Journal of Sociology (1958, 63, May, 597-606). The career & works of this US sociologist (1910-1989), are reviewed, focusing on his (1964) theory of social interaction & its value for understanding current forms of economic imperialism. Homans's groundbreaking 1958 article is examined as a precursor to his theory & as an intellectual bridge between his Durkheimian understanding of small group collectivism & his own category of the elementary forms of social behavior. In a sociological era dominated by the broad sweep of structuralism & functionalism, Homans was adept at constructing concrete explanations for group dynamics that compose societies & the power, litigation, & systems of justice they generate. He exercised a strict methodology synthesizing scientific deduction, psychology, & economics theory. His understanding of how economic territories can supersede geographic boundaries is highly applicable to contemporary sociology. Homans's article draws on previous research on the effects of social pressure in informal groups to examine how social conduct serves as economic exchange. Understanding this process combines psychology, economics, theories of influence, & theories of small group structure. It is contended that social behavior is an exchange of material goods or the promise of material goods, symbolized by appropriation & prestige. The act of giving is primarily inspired by the expectancy of receiving more. An equilibrium between giving & expectation forms the root of social cohesion among & between small groups. 2 Tables, 1 Bibliography, 43 References. D. Bajo