5. Social Exchange Theory

Question 1

whos theory? stages of relationship (4)

Answer 1

Thibault and Kelly

• sampling
• bargaining
• commitment
• institutionalisation

Question 2

components of theory (2)

Answer 2

• comparison level

- comparison level for alternatives

Question 3

evaluation (5)

Answer 3

• Miller: people happy in relationship spend less time looking at alternatives.
• Concepts hard to measure as subjective – research hard to provide as unethical or artificial.
• Ignores concept of equity: limited explanation
• Explains why (wo)men may stay in abusive relationships: linked to self-esteem.
• Clark and Mills: inappropriate measures: relationships not about rewards and losses.