Communal and Exchange Relationships: What is the Difference?

Abstract

Clark and Mills claim that communal and exchange relationships differ in the rules that govern giving and receiving benefits. In exchange relationships, members benefit each other to incur or repay obligation, quid pro quo. In communal relationships, the basis of benefit is concern for the other's welfare. Response by Clark and Mills to three criticism suggests, however that the psychological difference they see between communal and exchange relationships is less than might be imagined. They say that benefits in communal relationships may be bestowed with an eye to gaining self-benefits, including (a) the social and self-rewards for fulfilling one's role obligations and (b) the benefits received from the partner in the form of having one's needs met or establishing a rewarding relationship. If this is true, then quid pro quo exchange principles seem to operate in both communal and exchange relationships; the difference is in the breadth and etiquette of benefits exchanged.