Reciprocity 2.0: A Simulation Game for Sociology of the Family

Abstract

In 1979, Marie Withers Osmond published a simulation game "Reciprocity" in The Family Coordinator that was developed to illustrate social exchange theory and the dynamics of conflict, exchange, and power in the context of relationships. Osmond’s original game proposed using Reciprocity to examine the context of pre-marital, marital, and parental...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Family

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Small

Usage Notes

Reciprocity 2.0 is a simulation game to teach social exchange theory in the context of the family. It is designed for use in small group setting and ideal in environments where there are less than 30 players. Rooms should be able to have students paired easily.

Gameplay involves 3 rounds. Approximately 2 hours will be needed for gameplay and an...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will understand social exchange theory and the dynamics of conflict, exchange, and power in the context of relationships.
2. Students will justify their decisions made in pairs as ex-partners for a hypothetical child.
3. Students will evaluate the role of negotiation in successful coparenting after a separation or divorce.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students’ verbal responses during guided discussion can be used to assess students’ ability to understand social exchange theory.
2. Successful completion of three rounds of the game Reciprocity 2.0 involves players trying to reach an agreement as to how one player will behave on each issue.
3. Students’ verbal responses during guided discussion can be used to assess students’ ability to evaluate the role of negotiation in successful coparenting after a separation or divorce.