For instance, reciprocity is expected when hospitality is offered. That is one reason hospitality generally flows between people of similar status. A person of high status and means would not invite a poor person of low status to a meal, not only because the presence of a low-status person at the table would reflect poorly on the host, but also to avoid shaming the person. The invitation would put the low-status person in the awkward position of being obligated to reciprocate but being unable to do so.
