Reciprocity in Aboriginal Australian Communities

Reciprocity is not a simple concept when it comes to the Aboriginal culture. It can mean many different things depending on the situation it is being used to define. Reciprocity may be the notion of taking care of your kin as they will do for you. It might be the give and take between families and communities in which everyone shares what they have. Reciprocity may be being held responsible for your kin’s actions. It might be the approximately equal trades conducted between nearby communities. It may be the taking of a life in exchange for another. Reciprocity may be taking care of things such that they will be there when required. Reciprocity is in part to do with survival, for example when food and supplies are shared. Eckermann (2010, p. 102) defines reciprocity in this manner:

Principles of reciprocity are patterns of sharing based on clear rules and regulations, which define individuals' rights, duties and obligations within the structure of their kinship network. They exist in all Aboriginal communities. How these principles are manifest, however, differs in different communities and with different forms of family organisati ons.

Reciprocity is a word not often used by Aboriginal Australians because it is simply their way of life, it is built into their way of living. It is in large part about respect, respect for all things. Aboriginal communities of course differ from one to the next, however, the fundamental ideals of each include reciprocity. This essay will explore the many aspects of reciprocity within the Aboriginal culture. This will be explored in relation to the social, economic, political, and spiritual spheres of Aboriginal life respective ly.

Reciprocity in the social sphere of Aboriginal life is primarily...

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