The relational basis of kindness

March 05, 2012

Margaret S. Clark

Professor of Psychology
Yale University

A theory of communal relationships in which benefits are given non-contingently in support of a partner’s welfare and in which non-contingent benefits are also sought in support of one’s own welfare will be presented. These relationships will be contrasted with other ones in which benefits are given on other bases. Selfless and selfish motives for providing support within a variety of types of relationships will be discussed as will the differing conditions under which people in various types of relationships are likely to be perceived to be altruistic versus selfless. Link to reading below

Web: http://rcgd.isr.umich.edu/seminars/Winter2012/Readings/ClarkMills2011.pdf