Equity theory

Question 1

Equity theory

Answer 1

Economic theory - developed in response to criticism of SET

Question 2

Equity

Answer 2

Means fairness - both partners’ profit in a relationship should be roughly the same

Question 3

Role of equity

Answer 3

Lack of equity means one partner over benefits and the other under benefits, which leads to dissatisfaction

Question 4

Equity and equality

Answer 4

Rewards and costs do not have to be the same for both partners; a partner who puts a lot into the relationship will be satisfied if they also get a lot out of it

Question 5

What is equity

Answer 5

Equity does not mean equality (things being equal, or the same), but is about fairness, with inequity (unfairness) leading to dissatisfaction

Question 6

Consequences of inequity

Answer 6

There is a strong positive correlation between perceived inequity and dissatisfaction

Question 7

Changes in perceived equity

Answer 7

Greatest dissatisfaction comes from changes in perceived equity as a relationship develops

Question 8

Dealing with inequity

Answer 8

Underbenefitting partners either work hard to restore equity or they lower their standards so the relationship feels equitable even though nothing has changes

Question 9

EVAL - research support

Answer 9

• Strength - confirm equity theory as a more valid explanation than SET
• Utne et al - survey of 118 recently married couples - measuring equity
• Aged between 16 and 45 years - together for more than two years before marrying
• Couples who considered relationship equitable - more satisfied than those who were overbenefitting or underbenefitting
• Equity is a major concern of romantic couples - linked with satisfaction

Question 10

EVAL - counterpoint

Answer 10

• Berg and McQuinn - equity did not increase over time
• Did not find that relationships which ended and those that continued differed in equity
• Other variables such as self-disclosure found to be more important
  Undermines validity of equity theory - not play a role in relationship satisfaction as predicted

Question 11

EVAL - cultural limitations

Answer 11

• Limitation - not apply to all cultures
• Aumer-Ryan et al - cultural differences in link between equity and satisfaction
• Individualist cultures - relationship satisfying when equitable
• Collectivist cultures most satisfied when overbenefitting - both men and women
• Theory is limited because only applies to some cultures

Question 12

EVAL - individual differences

Answer 12

• Limitation - not all partners in romantic relationships concerned with equity
• Huseman et al - some people less concerned about equity than the norm
• Describe some partners as benevolent - prepared to contribute more
• Enititleds - believe they deserve overbenefit - accept without guilt
• Desire for equity varies from one individual to another - not a universal feature

Question 13

EVAL - equity - cause or effect

Answer 13

• Lack of equity is a cause of dissatisfaction
• Utne et al - both overbenefitting and underbenefitting led to dissatisfaction
  However
• Other research shows opposite direction of cause and effect
• Grote and Clark - as soon as partners start monitoring contributions - sign of dissatisfaction
• Then partner notice inequities - become more dissatisfied - cycle of misery