In terms of economic exchange, what is barter an example of?

Barter is considered an example of negative reciprocity because it typically involves direct exchanges between parties where each seeks to maximize their own benefit, often with little to no concern for the other party's gain. In a barter system, individuals trade goods or services in a way that allows them to get something for themselves that they perceive as more valuable than what they are giving away. This transactional nature often leads to a competitive atmosphere, where individuals may negotiate prices or value to ensure they are gaining the most from the exchange, reflecting the principles of negative reciprocity.

In contrast, generalized reciprocity involves exchanges where goods and services are given without immediate expectation of return, often occurring in close social relationships. Positive reciprocity reflects an exchange where one party gives and expects a return that is of equal or greater value, again typically within close social networks. Redistribution involves the collection of resources by a central authority who then allocates them according to need or status, which is fundamentally different from the one-to-one transactional nature of barter.