Definition
A two-way relationship where people benefit equally – for example giving as well as getting advice or support.
The bigger picture
The language of social care reflects a lack of reciprocity that characterises how things work now. Terms like ‘carer’, ‘caring for’, ‘looking after’, ‘protecting’ and ‘delivering care’ suggest ‘doing to’ and ‘doing for’ – not being with or alongside. And labels like ‘service user’. ‘customer’, ‘client’, ‘patient’, and ‘the cared for’ all suggest people who draw on support are passive recipients of care. This ignores and denies the mutual benefits of caring relationships and can lead to the perception and description of people who require support as a burden or dependent – ignoring their value, gifts and potential.
A reimagined approach to care and support aims to build and sustain reciprocal (two-way, equal) relationships rather than one-way transactions. It recognises that we need each other – summed up by the African concept of Ubuntu – ‘I am because we are’.
Reciprocity is a core value of co-production.
What people say
The language of social care reflects a lack of reciprocity that characterises how things work now. Terms like ‘carer’, ‘caring for’, ‘looking after’, ‘protecting’ and ‘delivering care’ suggest ‘doing to’ and ‘doing for’ – not being with or alongside. And labels like ‘service user’. ‘customer’, ‘client’, ‘patient’, and ‘the cared for’ all suggest people who draw on support are passive recipients of care. This ignores and denies the mutual benefits of caring relationships and can lead to the perception and description of people who require support as a burden or dependent – ignoring their value, gifts and potential.
A reimagined approach to care and support aims to build and sustain reciprocal (two-way, equal) relationships rather than one-way transactions. It recognises that we need each other – summed up by the African concept of Ubuntu – ‘I am because we are’.
Reciprocity is a core value of co-production.