Equity theory Flashcards
What is equity theory?
Another economic theory.
Developed due to the criticism of the SET- lack of consideration for people’s desire for equity.
Walster et al (1978).
Explain the difference equality and equity.
Equality achieves this through treating everyone the same regardless of need, while equity achieves this through treating people differently dependent on need.
Define the term equity.
This refers to fairness. Walster et al (1978) suggested that what is most important is that the level of ‘profit’ in a relationship is roughly equal for both partners. If it is not, then one partner overbenefits, and the other underbenefits, which may lead to resentment and anger in the ‘underbenefitted’ partner, so threatening the relationship. If the relationship is perceived to be fair, both partners will be satisfied.
Define the term over-benefitting.
The way in which one partner provides fewer benefits in comparison to the costs that they are responsible for within a relationship. They may suffer from guilt, shame and discomfort.
Define the term under-benefitting.
The way in which one partner provides more benefits in comparison to the costs they are expecting to meet for their partner. Results in feelings of resentment, hostility and anger.
The amount of rewards and costs are not thought to matter according to this theory.
Explain what matters in equity theory.
The ratio between them - investing a lot in a relationship is acceptable, as long as the level of rewards is high. Satisfying relationships are characterised by negotiations to ensure equity that rewards are distributed fairly.
What are the consequences of inequity?
If a partner invests a lot in a relationship, but gets little out of it, then they will become dissatisfied. There will be a correlation between the level of perceived inequity and the level of dissatisfaction. Both the overbenefitted and underbenefitted partner will notice the inequity. The perception of inequity can change over time.
Give an example of how perceptions of inequity change over time.
For example, contributing more than what is received may be acceptable early on in a relationship, but will be perceived as unfair if it continues for a long period of time.
How do partners deal with inequity?
A partner may work harder to try to restore equity. Alternatively, a partner may cognitively revise their perceptions of what counts as rewards and costs, so that the relationship comes to be seen by them as equitable, even though nothing has really changed.
What are the strengths of equity theory?
Supporting evidence
Mary Utne did a survey of 118 recently married couples measuring equity with self report scales.
Findings show couples who considered their relationship equitable were also more satisfied than those who reported themselves as underbenfitting or overbenefitting.
What are the limitations of equity theory?
Cultural influences - Aumer-Ryan et al (2007).
Individual differences - Huseman et al. (1987).
Contradictory research evidence - Berg and McQuinn (1986).
Types of relationship - Clark and Mills (2011)
What did Aumer-Ryan et al (2007) do?
The researchers compared couples in a collectivist culture with those in an individualist culture. Couples from an individualist culture considered their relationships to be most stratifying when the relationship was equitable, whereas partners in the collectivist culture were most satisfied when they were over benefitting. This was true of both men and women.
What has Huseman et al. (1987) argue?
That not all people are concerned with the need for equity. Some take more satisfaction from contributing more to a relationship, whereas others are prepared to ‘overbenefit’ without guilt. This weakens the theory, as it does not account for individual differences.
State the contradictory research evidence for equity theory.
Berg and McQuinn (1986) found that equity didn’t increase in their longitudinal study of dating couples. Equity theory also didn’t distinguish between those relationships which continued, variables being significantly more important. One of those is self-disclosure.
What did Clark and Mills (2011 )do?
Concluded that we should distinguish between different types of relationships. Research studies show that equity plays a central role in casual friendships, business/ work relationships and acquaintances.
