ABSTRACT
This chapter elaborates the most far-reaching change that will come about as a result of post-lurch learning. The ground is now being prepared to shift huge parts of the welfare state away from the doctrine of entitlements to the principle of reciprocity. The concept of reciprocity as a social norm is charged with profound moral overtones. Dignity, respect, respectability, gravitas, fairness: all such traditional virtues are inherent in the act of reciprocity. Perhaps the greatest advantage of reciprocity is that it is compatible both with the freedom of choice associated with new social values and also with advancing traditional values of community and civil society. Instead of returning to the rigid and repressive norms of the past, people will remain free to choose the life styles that suit them, but at the same time will recognize that these choices come with obligations and costs.
