Equity Theory Flashcards
What does Equity Theory suggest?
people expect relationships to be fair and equal
What do people want to receive in relationships?
rewards that are in balance with the rewards they provide for the other person
What happens if the relationship is unequal?
it produces discomfort and distress in both partners, even if your getting more and giving less
what might the disadvantaged person do?
try and make the relationship fair
Supporting Theory
Hatfield et al
What year was Hatfield et al study?
1979
What did Hatfield (1979) do?
asked newlyweds to assess what they and their partner contributed to the relationship and their level of contentment with the marriage
Hatfield: who were the least satisfied?
those who were under-benefited (unhappy about giving the most)
Hatfield: Who were the next least satisfied?
those who were over-benefited (feeling guilty about giving the least)
Hatfield: equal relationships were…
the most satisfactory
Argyle (1988) men
Over-benefited men were almost as satisfied as those in equitable marriages
Argyle (1988) women
Over-benefited women were much less satisfactory than women in equal relationships
