equity theory

Question 1

equity theory

Answer 1

equity = fairness. what matters most with equity is that both partners’ level of profit is roughly the same, not same as equality where levels of costs and rewards have to be the same.

lack of equity - one partner overbenefits and other underbenefits from relationship - leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness

Question 2

consequences of inequity

Answer 2

changes in perceived equity leads to dissatisfaction - at start of relationship it may feel natural to contribute more than you receive but if relationship develops and this continues, it doesn’t feel as satisfying as it did earlier

dealing with inequity - ‘put upon’ partner works hard to make relationship more equitable as long as they believe it’s possible to do so. more unfair the relationship, harder they’ll work to restore equity.

Question 3

evaluation - supporting research evidence

Answer 3

studies of real life relationships confirm equity theory as more valid explanation than SET.

utne - survey of 118 recently married couples, measuring equity with 2 self report scales.

found couples who considered relationship equitable were more satisfied than those who saw themselves as over or underbenefitting. research confirms central prediction of equity theory, increasing its validity

Question 4

evaluation - cultural differences

Answer 4

possible that concept of equity not as important in non western cultures given most research on equity theory was carried out in US and western europe

aumer-ryan et al - compared couples in collectivist cultures with those in individualistic cultures - individualistic cultures - relationships most satisfying when relationship was equitable, collectivist cultures - most satisfied when overbenefitting.

suggests equity theory’s claim that equity is universal need in relationships is unwarranted so theory is limited as cannot account for cultural differences